A WOMAN has shaved her head to raise money for the women’s refuge that saved her from domestic abuse.

Kayleigh Fisher, 25, from Middleleaze, had her waist-length red hair completely shaved off in the quickest haircut she had ever had – four minutes – raising £727 for Women’s Aid in the process.

The total raised – against a target of £500 – is expected to rise further in the next week.

Kayleigh said she was a fan of the new look – although it will take some getting used to.

She said: “It looks a lot better than I thought it would, everyone said I was brave and I feel really positive about my new look.

“Everyone applauded me at the end, they all said they couldn’t believe how good it looked.

“I think tomorrow I might wake up and forget I’ve had it done though.”

The mother-of-two spent 14 months living at the Women’s Refuge, which she left last July.

Kayleigh said she wants to give something back to the charity, Women’s Aid, who put her back on her feet.

“I know how important it is to have a place where women in need can go,” she said.

“They helped me and they can help others with the money that is raised.

“I want to teach my kids that not all children are as fortunate and what great things this charity does.”

The number-one haircut came courtesy of best friend and mobile hairdresser Becky Hill, who Kayleigh thanked for taking the time to help out her old friend.

She was joined by other women the refuge has helped along with mum Caroline, stepsister Danielle and her two children, Emma-Louise and Joshua.

Kayleigh admitted to giving her hairdo one last hurrah on Saturday night by going out with friends.

She said: “I went out on Saturday night and all my friends wanted to do my hair for me. I went for a curled and styled look, I wanted to make the most of it.”

Speaking before the shave, Kayleigh said she felt “really excited and nervous” but compared to what she has been through, losing her hair would be nothing.

She said: “I’ve been through the worst now. Losing a bit of hair which will grow back in a year is not a lot compared to what I lost and what I now have. This head shave is about paying it forward.

“This year is all about having a fresh start, my kids are happy, I have a nice place with furniture and things are looking good for me.”

To show your support, sponsor Kayleigh online at www.my.give.net/ boldlybrave.