A Dundee councillor has swapped her long flowing locks for a 'number 1' all over after braving the shave for an HIV charity.
Cllr Lynne Short, an SNP representative in the east coast city, shaved her hair off to raise money and awareness for the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). The local representative - who jokingly referred to herself as "Cllr Short Back and Sides" after the feat - will donate the locks to the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs to children undergoing cancer treatment.
The shave itself was done by hairdresser Niki Brand of local salon Hush Hair at the city's landmark V&A Dundee museum.
To date she has raised almost £1,000 to support the charity. THT - named after one of the UK's first known victims of HIV/AIDS - says the money will go towards supporting the charity's mission of ending new cases of HIV by 2030 and helping those already living with the virus.
Cllr Short said: “I’m doing my Big Shave Off during a time when many are turned off by squabbling, inward-looking politicians – I’m coming out of my comfort zone to show there are bigger things than individual egos. Hopefully, doing this will not only raise funds and the profile of Terrence Higgins Trust’s work, but show that there is hope, and love."
The Maryfield ward politician - who once worked in property - says she has been a keen supporter of the Terence Higgins Trust ever since they held an official council event in December 2016. She added: “I also take part in their drop-in testing – it’s really important, and sexual health testing should be treated the same way as check-ups at the dentist and opticians.”
In Dundee, THT runs an active men's sexual health support service, Men Only Tayside, in co-operation with NHS Tayside. Across Scotland, it provides HIV and STI testing , sexual health information and advice and free sexual health materials including condoms.
Jimmy Hunter, of the charity, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Lynne and who came along to cheer her on and support Terrence Higgins Trust. It's amazing to see those in politics showing solidary with us — a far cry from the early days of the epidemic when so many didn't take it seriously enough.
"Everyone at Terrence Higgins Trust is so grateful to each and every person who fundraises to support our work.”
The councillor was just one of many fundraisers who took part in THT's Big Shave Off on Friday, which urged people to shave heads, legs and beards in support of the charity's work. She has set up a JustGiving page for those who wish to donate; a donation of £5 can also be made by texting BIGSHAVEOFF to 70085.
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