A PENHILL mother who has shaved off her hair as an act of defiance against an abusive ex-partner, and to raise money for two charities close to her heart, has described feeling liberated and empowered.

Corinna Bearman, 45, took to the razor yesterday afternoon at Altered Images in Gorse Hill, raising around £500 for the Women’s Trust and the British Lung Foundation in the process.

Corinna said: “It was a hoot, it was just so funny. There were a couple of people who were in there who were having their hair cut, and they came over and gave me kisses and cuddles and donated money as well. It was amazing.

“I am really pleased, I didn’t think I’d get quite so much sponsorship. People have really surprised me to be honest. I am going to wear no hair with pride.”

Kelly Phillips, who handled the shave, said: “Last night, she said she didn’t sleep very well, but today she said she was looking forward to it. I think I was more nervous than she was!

“It looked really good as well; she had been planning to put a hat on when she left, but she really liked the result, so she left it.”