EDIT: big chop on Sat 15th Jan @ 7.30pm! 

As you may or may not know, I have been struggling with the long term impacts of Covid-19 for nearly two years now. I have done a lot to try and raise awareness, desperately been looking for things that can help, and early in my recovery I was approached by the Thistle Foundation with the offer of support and guidance. 

Thistle have done so much to help me learn about myself and my illness - whereas I’ve struggled to receive guidance on my recovery, Thistle have been able to work with me on a one to one basis and in a group setting so I could learn improved techniques to manage energy levels with pacing, understand more about the things which make it worse, and variously identify the things that make me better and worse.

I lead a richer and more managed life due to the intervention from Thistle, and I want to give back and help enable the charity to do more for other Long Covid patients like they have for me.

Which brings me to my bountiful barnet. 

I haven’t had a haircut since January 2020, what initially was an attempt to save time, money and energy through the early stages of my condition grew into a blooming ambition - long hair, don’t care 💁🏻‍♂️

But unfortunately, as much as I have enjoyed experimenting with buns, top knots, half up half downs, grappled with the mystifying world of hair care (becoming an advocate for “plopping” in the meanwhile) I can’t keep looking after my hair with my limited energy. Time for a cut! 

But it will be going to a good home - my cousin is handily a very accomplished barber, and on my 30th birthday we will be live-streaming the big chop and donating the hair to the Little Princess Foundation, who provide wigs for children who have lost hair due to cancer treatment - all in the name of raising money for Thistle. 

Any money at all appreciated for this great cause and this weird event. Live-streaming on Facebook (and other sites potentially!) will be linked in January. 

More info on Thistle:

For over 75 years, Thistle has helped people living with disabilities, long-term conditions or facing challenging life circumstances to ensure that a health crisis doesn't become a life crisis. By supporting Thistle, you are supporting people to take back control of their lives, like Jackie: “Thistle’s support has been life-changing;” Calum: "I have confidence that I will be able to make a full recovery;” and Jinny: “It is vital; words cannot tell you how grateful I am for Thistle’s support."