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Hippodrome employee to lop her locks to raise funds for children’s hospice
In a bid to support the fundraising efforts of two colleagues whose families have been helped by a local charity, a Bristol Hippodrome employee has decided to let go of her long locks.
Helen Mair is set to brave the big chop on Thursday. Her decision comes as a heartfelt gesture to assist the fundraising efforts of her colleagues, Jo Snow and Naomi Kilcoyne, who have both received vital support from Children’s Hospice South West.
Jo Snow, sales and development manager (maternity cover), tragically lost her 14-year-old daughter Stella in 2023, while Naomi Kilcoyne, sales and development manager, experienced the heartbreaking loss of her 4-month-old son Leo in 2024.
Both families have been supported by the hospice, which provides essential care to children and families during incredibly difficult times.
Bristol Hippodrome employee, Jo Snow tragically lost her 14-year-old daughter Stella (pictured) in 2023
In a bid to continue supporting this vital cause, Steve Jones and Jo Snow have already raised over £2,300 since launching their fundraising campaign in November 2024. However, to reach their goal of £5,000, much more is needed.
To bolster the fundraising effort, Helen has decided to donate her hair and raise funds for the hospice in an effort to contribute to the cause that has meant so much to her colleagues.
Naomi Kilcoyne, sales and development manager, experienced the heartbreaking loss of her 4-month-old son Leo in 2024
On Thursday, Helen’s colleagues, Steve and Jo, will be in charge of the scissors as they lop the long locks of Helen.
Helen said: “The fundraising cause is one close to my heart, and I’m delighted to be doing my bit — even if it means letting Steve and Jo loose on my hair with scissors! Children’s Hospice South West were there for my managers with invaluable support, and I’m pleased to be able to send my hair to the Little Princess Trust so that they can continue to provide wigs for children and young people.”
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Helen has set herself the goal of raising £100 for the cause, in addition to donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust. The charity provides free, real-hair wigs to children and young people up to the age of 24 who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other conditions.
Stella, who lived 14 years despite severe health challenges, and Leo, who was born with hydrops fetalis, both received crucial support at Charlton Farm hospice. Their families are now raising awareness through fundraising efforts to thank the hospice for its compassionate care during their children’s final moments.
To bolster the fundraising efforts of her colleagues, Helen Mair has decided to donate her hair and raise funds for the hospice, that has meant so much to her colleagues
Jo Snow and Steve Jones will run the 2025 London Marathon to raise £6,500 for Children’s Hospice South West. Their goal is to spread awareness and support the hospice’s vital work in helping children and their families during challenging times.
It is reported that more than 3 out of 10 children with a rare condition die before their fifth birthday.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/page/bristol-hippodrome
All photos: Bristol Hippodrome
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