A hair salon in Swindon that raised over £1000 for mental health charity Mind has celebrated its achievement this week.

Natural Selection Salon on Rodbourne Road held a 24-hour ‘hair marathon’ from 12pm on August 25 to 12pm on August 26, organised by salon owner Jane Norgrove.

On Wednesday, Ms Norgrove handed over a cheque of £1047 to Mind, having been inspired to support the charity by conversations with her clients.

Jane said: “I frequently hear about the personal struggles many of my clients face, from stress and anxiety to depression, often compounded by the rising cost of living.

“It’s heartbreaking, and I felt driven to find a meaningful way to help and let them know they are not on their own.”

Jane achieved the impressive feat of working non-stop through the night to treat the hair of 22 clients in 24 hours, with £937 raised in cash alongside another £110 from online donations.

Since opening in 2002, the salon has specialised in Afro, Asian and European unisex hair, and was recommended as one of the top three hairdressers in Swindon by Three Best Rated in 2023.

The salon’s partnership with Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind began in 2022 via a charity walk around Lydiard Park that raised over £300, with Jane wanting this year’s fundraiser to be “even more impactful.”

“The idea of a 24-hour hair marathon felt like the perfect way to bring the community together while supporting Mind’s work.”

Swindon Mind was established in 1990 to provide the town with vital mental health support and services, and expanded its reach in 2018 to include the Gloucestershire area.

The charity relies on fundraising from the likes of Natural Selection Salon to operate throughout England and Wales and make mental health an everyday priority, with one in four people suffering from mental health problems.

Jane described the turnout for the event as “fantastic, with many supporters filling the salon and contributing to an incredible atmosphere.

“Raising these funds for Mind allows us to support those in the community who are navigating challenges.

"I'm not going to stop fundraising for them because it is such a good cause, but maybe my next idea won't involve me on my feet for 24 hours!"

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