A TYNEDALE teenager has shaved his head in a bid to support the care sector.

Prudhoe Community High School pupil, Oliver Hodgson (16), has raised over £300 for residents and staff at the town’s Redbrick House care home, managed by Akari Care.

Oliver, who is due to start his A levels in September, said: “I decided to raise money for Redbrick House because I feel the elderly homes have been overlooked and haven’t had much government support.

“I’ve had the same haircut all my life and would never get it cut short, so shaving my head was a drastic action for me. I knew family members would pay to see it happen, so it was a good way to raise funds. Plus, I’m not much of a runner.”

The funds were greatly received by staff.

Registered manager Lindsay Donoghue said: “It was such a thoughtful sincere thing to do for all of the residents. We have informed head office and it was highlighted on our Facebook page too. We didn’t even know about it until afterwards, it was all of his own back. He initiated it all.

“We’re going to speak to the residents about what they’d like to use the money for, but it will likely be used to purchase garden furniture”, she added.

Oliver hoped that his donation would remind the elderly that people are thinking of them, despite the current restrictions in place, preventing family and friends from visiting because of coronavirus.

“I am happy for the staff to do whatever they see fit with the money. They might book entertainment for the residents, which would be nice when they can’t have their usual visitors. They will hopefully know they aren’t forgotten about”, he added.

Donations can be made directly to Redbrick House.