A GWENT couple whose lives were changed by lupus have raised more than £1,000 in a fundraising battle over a head shave.

Husband and wife Craig and Vicky Titchener, from Garndiffaith, went head-to-head in a race to raise the most money – with the prize to either shave or save Craig’s long hair and beard.

Mrs Titchener, 32, who is originally from Gilwern, was diagnosed with lupus five years ago after her eyesight started failing while she was driving to work.

Just months before her wedding to Craig in 2010, who she had known since they were teenagers, doctors discovered it was lupus.

The condition has left her almost blind and with constant fatigue and pain and she was forced to undergo gruelling chemotherapy.

To mark World Lupus Day on May 10, the pair decided to see who could raise the most money for charity Lupus UK with the winner deciding what would happen to Mr Titchener’s hair.

After more than a month of fundraising, Mrs Titchener raised £577 – over £75 more than her husband’s total.

On Saturday his hair was shaved at The Barber Shop in Abersychan.

Mr Titchener said: “It feels like my hair has been on death row, for the last few days, counting down until the hair and beard is no more.

“On a plus though I haven't seen my chin for a while so that'll be a nice surprise.

“Seriously though a massive thank you to all that read our posts, shared our posts and donated.

“If there's two things I've learnt from this, one is women always triumph and two there are some truly amazing people out there.”

Ms Titchener said: “I'm happy to be getting my ‘normal’ husband back. Craig is my rock and I am so proud of him.”