Local boy, 10, shaves off hair for Restore

A 10-year-old schoolboy has had his hair shaved off in aid of Oxford’s local mental health charity Restore at our Manzil Way base.

Albie Oliver of Minster Road will undergo a close shave as part of his quest to help more people talk more about mental health and support more people to recover.

Albie is a regular visitor to Restore’s community events, including the Lazy Sundays at Restore held by the Divinity Road Area Residents Association.

Albie isn’t allowed a shaved head at school, so his hair has to grow back in time for the new school year in September, where he’ll be taking up the role of Head Boy!

Albie set a target of £100 for his ‘Brave the Shave for Restore’ Appeal, which is raising money for vital community-based mental health support, including gardening, woodwork, ceramics, art, and much more. But, he has already raised £1551.00 and is aiming for the higher target of £1750.

Albie said: “I first thought of the idea when my mum showed me a video of someone doing it and it inspired me. I really hope I can raise this much as it will change some people’s lives. I thought that I’d hardly make £100 but here I am with over fifteen times that amount!”

Albie invites other local people to Brave the Shave and join him in raising money for their local mental health charity Restore, saying: “If I can make it to £1750 it would make my year. If someone has a mental health issue, that’s not their fault and they should be treated as equals and given every chance to get better. Restore really helps them with this. Let’s hope I don’t look like a boiled egg!”

Michele Oliver, Albie’s mum, said: “Albie decided to shave all his hair off to raise money for Restore, an amazing local charity helping people with mental health challenges and at the heart of our community.”

Lesley Dewhurst, Joint Chief Executive of Restore, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Albie for his amazing fundraising efforts. He’s doing a wonderful, truly selfless thing to help others and every penny that he’s raised will directly support people to recover from mental ill health.”

Albie is collecting donations via a JustGiving page. You can donate £5 by texting REST02 £5 to 70070 or find the page here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bravetheshave18.