It’s cut off time for Leah at SCYD
Volunteer raises cash for local youth group
Leah Breen, a volunteer with the Strathmore Centre for Youth Development (SCYD), has raised an incredible £875 for the youth organisation by shaving her hair off.
Mother-of-three Leah has been volunteering with SCYD for around two years, and her sons, Darren (18), Matthew (15) and Christopher (13) are all regulars at the popular youth group.
The big-hearted local resident decided she wanted to raise money for SCYD to give something back to the service.
She explained: “I said as a bit of a joke earlier this year that if I could raise £500 for SCYD by shaving my hair then I would do it.
“Then people kept saying they would sponsor me and in the end I just did it - and I raised even more than £500!”
Leah, who had her head shaved at the SCYD stall at a community market in Blairgowrie’s Wellmeadow in the summer, also donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust, which provides real-hair wigs, free of charge, to boys and girls that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment and other illnesses.
She said: “I’m pleased with the amount of money I’ve raised.
“It means that the young people can have a trip in the October holidays, which is great.” Twelve youngsters from SCYD will be able to enjoy an activities day at the Christian Compass Centre near Glenshee during the holidays where they will experience archery, wall climbing and a trust line.
Leah added: “I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored me and made it happen, and everyone who came to see me on the day itself and give me their support.
“I’d also like to thank L’Amour Creative Hair Design for lending us the clippers and the organsiers of the community market.
“I’ve had my hair short before but never this short! But it wasn’t too bad and it started growing back really quickly.”
Jamie Stewart, youth worker at SCYD, thanked Leah on behalf of the organisation for all her efforts.
He said: “We’re exceptionally grateful to Leah, it was very sweet of her to so do this and we really appreciate it.
“We wouldn’t have been able to have an October trip this year if it wasn’t for Leah so we really are extremely grateful.”