A WILTSHIRE Police detective has shaved her head to raise money for Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Detective Constable Charlotte Mason, who works in the Force’s Public Protection Department, shaved off her long hair after hitting her £1,000 fundraising target.

She said she had been inspired to raise money for the charity by the amazing work the hospital has been doing in response to Covid-19.

She said: “I have had very long hair for most of my adult life, and I loved it, but after the Covid-19 outbreak I wanted to give something back to our community, and help our NHS to get what they needed to deal with this tragedy.

“Last year I was seen at SDH over a long period of time with a suspected cancer scare and the staff were all fantastic.

“My mum is still working every day at SDH and on top of that I was born there, as were my two children.

“The Stars Appeal is special to the residents of Salisbury and the surrounding area and I couldn’t think of a better cause for the money to go to.”

Det Con Mason has the full support of both the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner, who have commended her for her fundraising efforts.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “The current Covid-19 pandemic has once again highlighted the incredible work of the NHS and that this money raised for the Stars Appeal is going to a fantastic local cause.

“I am full of admiration for Charlotte’s dedication to this charity – I know that the decision to shave her head probably wasn’t one she took lightly, but I have no doubt that she will have felt it is worth it to boost donations and encourage people to put their hand in their pockets to support her fundraising.”

PCC Angus Macpherson added: “Charlotte’s fundraising is something that she should very proud of, and I know I echo the feelings of everyone across the Force, when I commend and congratulate her for supporting one of our local hospitals in this way.

“We all recognise the vital and life-saving work that our doctors, nurses and all healthcare workers are doing at the moment, and I know this money raised will undoubtedly provide financial support when our hospitals need it most.”

To donate visit her JustGiving site here.