Padiham mum of five ready to 'brave the shave' to highlight sterling work of carers

And just to prove how much, she is preparing to have all of her shoulder length hair shaved off for a charity that provides support for carers across the UK.

"I don't know if I am being brave or stupid,'' said mum of five Martine who is 46 and works for Burnley based Synergy Homecare.

Martine cares for a range of vulnerable people across Burnley, Padiham, Pendle and Rossendale. Many of them are ill or have suffered an accident and Martine is also a palliative care worker.

The head shave will take place on Saturday, May 16th, and Martine has already raised £150 towards her £200 target for Carers UK through her gofundme page.Martine, who lives in Padiham with her partner, Paul Dixon, said she wanted to do something to raise awareness of the vital role that carers play in society, something that has become evident since the coronavirus pandemic.

She added: "Carers UK does some great work providing back up, help and support for carers who need it.

"I am lucky that I have never needed the help of the charity but there are many who do.

"This is not about me taking any glory, I want to highlight what a fantastic job this is.

"It is exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. Some days I can start work at 7-30am and still be working at 10pm, although I do have a break during the day."

Martine's headshave would normally have taken place at a salon but due to social distancing rules it will now be held in the garden of the home she shares with Paul, a builder, and her two youngest children who are Mads (12) and nine-year-old Mercy.

Mads, a student at Shuttleworth College, Padiham and Mercy, who attends Lowerhouse Junior School in Burnley, will both be helping with the headshave along with Paul.

Martine, who is also mum to Vicky (27) Bradley (25) and 18-year-old James will do the headshave live on facebook also and video the event so friends and family can watch.

She said: "There is no going back now."