A cut above the rest – local care home team member’s hair makes a difference

A Sutton Coldfield care home team member’s long locks got the chop – all for a good cause. 

Andrea Paikkou, Suite Manager at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, cut her hair short and raised £1,178 for charity in the process. 

Andrea donated the funds to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which supports children who have lost their hair to cancer by creating free wigs out of real hair. After growing her hair for two years, she organised for the haircut to take place at Mercia Grange’s very own hair salon, where she had the support of all of the residents and team members.

Andrea said: “Charities like the Princess Trust can be a lifeline for those affected by cancer and their families. I wanted to do my part to help too and hopefully put a smile on a child’s face, so I decided to cut my hair and donate it.

 “I’m delighted to have raised so much money in the process, which I know will go a long way. I’d like to say a big thank you to residents and team members at Mercia Grange for all their support.”

Antony Gatley, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, adds: “Here at Mercia Grange, we believe in supporting local organisations who make a big difference in our communities’ lives. 

“We’re incredibly proud of Andrea. She’s raised a tremendous amount of money for the Little Princess Trust, not to mention donating her own hair to create a special wig. Cutting her hair in our home’s salon, in presence of so many team members and residents, was definitely an emotional moment – though we all agree short hair definitely suits her!"

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Mercia Grange, please call Customer Relations Manager, Aleksandra Luczynska, on 0121 314 3196, or email  aleksandra.Luczynska@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/mercia-grange.