AN ABERGAVENNY trader has raised more than £4,000 for charity by shaving her head.

Fiona Beavan, owner of the Miserable Cow Coffee Bar in Cibi Walk, raised £4,137.50 for the Stroke Association in memory of her late brother Stuart Lindley, who died suddenly of a stroke in 2013.

Mrs Beavan was inspired to chop her locks off at the Kings Arms Hotel for charity last month following the death of Mr Lindley, who lived in Sheffield.

She said: “Stuart was a fit 58 year-old ex-Navy man who took pride in his appearance and health. He collapsed suddenly three months after losing our father but never regained consciousness. He suffered a massive stroke and a bleed on the brain.

“I came up with the idea of shaving my head to help support other people who are rebuilding their lives after a stroke.”

She added: “I was more overwhelmed by how many people turned up to support me than losing my crowning glory.

“Not only did I have my close friends and family there, but customers from my coffee bar, fellow business owners and also so many children who revelled in the entertainment.”

Mrs Beavan let people cut a chunk of her hair off in exchange for a donation of £5 before hairdressers Rebecca Sagan and Diane Bugler shaved her head.

She added: “The shocked look on the audience faces was such a picture but other people joined in, paying to have their head shaved includes a chest shave by Andrew Williams.”

An auction raised £1,200 and a raffle a further £600 together with donations to shave her head.

“I am totally blown away by the generosity of everyone. This was the most expensive haircut I believe anyone has ever had,” Mrs Beavan said.