Wigless runner enters charity fun run

A woman from Atherton near Bolton has entered to run a 5 kilometer race in aid of the BeBold Alopecia Awareness charity. Whilst many people enter fun runs in the hope of supporting their favourite charity, this story has an unusual twist. The woman in question, Hayley Blackburn, also experiences hair loss herself, as a result of the condition Alopecia Areata, and although she never ventures out of her house without wearing a wig, she will run the full distance of the race without her hairpiece.

Courageous Hayley hopes to raise £750 for her chosen charity, and has already secured £500 in pledges. She will be joined by her friends and colleagues, who are also hoping to raise plenty of cash to help support other men and women who are affected by Alopecia.

In her spare time, Hayley helps run a support group for people in Salford who experience hair loss as a result of Alopecia. Her current money raising efforts are to help provide funding for a two day workshop for children affected by Alopecia, and to introduce them to well-known celebrities who have also experienced hair loss from similar conditions.

Commenting on the forthcoming run, Hayley said, “Everyone has been really generous and supportive, and I have already managed to raise £500 which is a lot more than I was expecting. I have never ventured out of the house without my hair so for me this will be the biggest challenge.”

What is Alopecia Areata?

Classic Alopecia Areata results in the sudden loss of hair in distinct bald patches in extreme cases, all of the hair on the head and body can fall out. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but the root cause is an autoimmune disorder which causes hair follicles to enter a ‘resting’ phase, disrupting the growth cycle and causing hair to fall out.

There are several known triggers for Alopecia Areata, including stress, physical trauma and bacterial infection. It is believed that around 2% of the population is affected by Alopecia Areata, although few tend to openly discuss the issue.

Treating Alopecia Areata

Because of the uncertainties surrounding Alopecia Areata, treatment can be difficult, but there are certainly various options available. The Belgravia Centre uses its own custom extra-strength Minoxidil formula to treat particularly stubborn cases of hair loss.

Wishing Hayley the best

Hayley Blackburn will complete the ‘Run the Flash 5K’ run on Saturday, August 11th. The team at The Belgravia Centre wishes Hayley all the best in her brave endeavor and look forward to hearing about the continued good work she is doing in Salford.

If you would like to make a donation to support Hayley, please contact her by email hayleyb67@hotmail.com

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