ROMSEY'S hair loss specialist held an evening of fundraising to support a local foundation.

Rachel Cardy, a qualified hairdresser who has specialised in hair loss treatment and wig making for more than 30 years held her ‘Staying Strong’ event at Bergman and Brown in Romsey on Monday November 15.

Members of the public were invited to take part in trying on clothing, get advise from the Bradbeer cosmetics team about skincare and Bradbeer’s underwear department dropped by to showcase some of the latest styles.

Romsey Town Mayor, Cllr Karen Dunleavey and founder of the Jenna Marie Foundation also attended to support the cause.

Mayor Karen said: "The Stay Strong event was both inspiring and moving. Rachel had organised an evening that sparkled, from the pink bubbles on entry to the kindness of those there offering support.

"Cancer is a word that nobody wants to have applied to themselves and on hearing of the types of support these evenings offer made me once again feel glad to be part of Romsey;s community. Rachel is an inspiration with her dedication to helping those going through the many stages of living with cancer and I have great admiration for all that she does. A super amount of money was raised for the Jenna Marie Foundation, in memory of a brave and special young woman."

The evening raised £500 for the Jenna Marie Foundation (Never too Young), a foundation which launched earlier this year in memory of Jenna Marie Fallowfield, a young mother who died at just 39 years old after being diagnosed with stage 4 Bowel Cancer.

The event received great support from businesses to include Bergman & Brown, Romsey Holistic Beauty, Cavendish, Luc’s Fine Food, Regatta, Philip Kingsley, Cook shop, Josie’s, Inz.Pired, Tracy Kennard, Chris Barker who all either donated items to be bought at the event or provided help and support on the night. Karen Docherty of Photo Flair photographed the event.

Rachel said: "We had to be really strict on Covid rules. Normally I would have done food but this year I just got loads of healthy snacks in packets like Humous and crisps and things like that and people really liked it.

"People could try on clothing, check out different styles and Nicky from Bergman and Brown gave everyone a ten percent discount. I had so much support. People just want to help really, it's lovely. Everybody's just so kind."