A WOMAN has shaved off all of her hair to raise money for a charity which supports her great-grandson.

Annette Hinds, 70, from Witton Gilbert, has now raised more than £800 for the Royal National Institute of Blind.

Her challenge was carried out at JNL Hair and Beauty in Chester-le-Street in support of her 23-month-old great-grandson, Finley, who was born blind.

She said: “This is a charity close to my heart because when Finley was born the connection between his eyes and his brain wasn’t fully developed, which means he can’t seem to see anything at all.

“I want Finley to grow up living in a world where eye health and sight loss is understood, and everyone who is blind can live their life with confidence. This is what the RNIB works to achieve so I wanted to help them do it in any way I can. He is the sweetest little boy and we all love him dearly. Shaving off my hair to encourage people to donate to this charity is the least I could do for him.”

Sharon Gardner, network manager for RNIB in the North-East, said: “We are grateful and humbled that Annette took on this challenge to help us break down barriers and create a world that is inclusive for blind and partially sighted people.

“We’re also thankful for the support of JNL Beauty and Hair, who hosted this challenge and helped make it possible.

“There are 17,500 people in County Durham living with sight loss that is severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives.

“The money that Annette has raised will help us smash barriers to inclusion and make sure that anyone with vision impairment has the confidence to lead full and independent lives.”

To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/a-hinds