Shaven head at Autism Unlimited charity raises money for Portfield School in Christchurch

DAVID Batt is feeling a little colder than usual after having his head shaved to raise money for charity Autism Unlimited where he works.

IT technician David (61) usually sports a bright blue thatch in honour of the organisation’s brand colour.

But he opted to have it all shorn off by Trev Kearl, head of estates for Christchurch-based Autism Unlimited, in front of a crowd of cheering colleagues.

Sponsorship from David’s head shave will go towards the £26k needed to fund new play equipment for the youngest students at the charity’s Portfield School in Parley.

The children of the reception-age class, Stepping Stones, have been without a climbing frame since October half-term when the previous structure was removed after falling into disrepair.

Inspecting his newly bald head, David said: “This is going to be a big surprise to my grandchildren!

“I’ve drawn quite a lot of attention in the past week with bright teal hair, but it has made people smile and has enabled me to tell a lot of people about the work of Autism Unlimited and the appeal.”

“Losing my hair completely is a small price to pay for being able to help the appeal and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has already supported me. I have achieved beyond my fundraising target of £200 already, and I’m hoping people who haven’t already done so might consider donating to boost my total even further.”

Anna Hewitt, headteacher at Portfield, said: “We are all bursting with gratitude and admiration for David – especially as he will be without his hair during the coldest part of the year!

“David knows that for autistic children, play has a vital role in supporting their focus, decreasing stress, and helping them to regulate, leading to reduced stress, anxiety, and frustration. The new play equipment will enrich the lives of all our current early years students and future proof the playground for students to come. David’s head shave will have played a part in making that happen.”

Businesses and individuals are being asked to support the appeal in any way they can, including by direct donation or through their own fundraising event.

David can still be sponsored at: www.justgiving.com/page/david-batt-1733735711408