Gareth from Asda Shrewsbury shaves his hair off to raise awareness of dementia

A huge well done to Gareth Williams from our Shrewsbury store who's raised more than £1,850 for Dementia UK by having his long curly locks shaved off.

Gareth wanted to support the charity as his 83-year-old mum Jean has dementia.

The head shave was carried out by Gareth's neighbour Jade and his hair has been given to the Little Princess Trust which uses donations to make wigs for children affected by cancer.

Sixty-year-old Gareth, a former supply teacher, joined the night shift at our Shrewsbury store just after the Covid pandemic started last year. He is also a full-time carer for Jean, who's 83.

Gareth hadn't had his hair cut for 18 months before having it shaved off.

He said: "I am slowly losing my lovely mum to this terrible disease.

"We have been fighting it together since 2015. There are good days and bad but what dementia can't take away is the cherished memories we have and the love and friendship that my mum has given and received from so many people who she cares for and who care for her.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has sponsored me for my head shave. I only set out to raise £500 and it's now at £1,859 and there's more money coming in all the time. Everyone who sees me says I suit the new look – they say it makes me look younger!"

Store manager Kester Williams said: "What Gareth has done is excellent; it's a great achievement for a great cause."

To sponsor Gareth, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Gareth-Williams168