'It might help find a cure': Portsmouth veterans care home worker gets head shaved for Parkinson's Day
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She braved the shave after her charitable cause was supported by family and friends
A kind-hearted care home worker has her head shaved for a charitable cause close to her heart.
Sophie Ralph, who works as a kitchen assistant at Admiral Jellicoe House in Locksway Road, raised hundreds of pounds for Parkinson’s UK. She braved the shave on April 11 surrounded by friends, colleagues and residents.
The 35-year-old told The News: “Research into Parkinson’s doesn’t appear to have upfront fund raising like cancer research and other charities. I felt like I needed to support this charity to progress research into Parkinson’s disease. It affects so many people but goes unrecognised.”
Ms Ralph has been working at Admiral Jellicoe House for nearly two years since moving to Portsmouth from Wales. Her partner’s brother has Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that stifles movement and other bodily functions. It can be treated with medication and therapies to manage symptoms, but is incurable.
Admiral Jellicoe House, run by the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, offers tailored support for Royal Navy veterans and their families. Ms Ralph said her co-worker Lisa Wood wanted to fundraise for Parkinson’s, so jumped at the chance to help. The organisation’s wellbeing co-ordinator, Sarina Bailey, put up posters to spread the word.
“I always wanted to shave my head,” Ms Ralph said. “I asked my friends and colleagues if they would support me, and they said yes, so I could raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research.
“I managed to raise £650 through kind donations from work colleagues, family, friends, and residents at the care home. I know this is not a huge amount but I believe every penny helps to fund this research and maybe help to find a cure for this condition which affects so many people both young and old. I am so happy and blessed for all the support from everyone and I want to thank them for that.”