A MAN from Torfaen is shaving his head to raise money to help find a cure for dementia.

Bill Weaver, who cares for his wife Julie, is holding the event at Pontypool Indoor Market on Wednesday, October 31 at 2pm.

During the shaving, entertainment will be provided by a Celtic band, and people who donate will be given the opportunity to cut Mr Weaver’s hair themselves.

Before the main event, Mr Weaver will be outside Tesco in Pontypool with a donation box, playing the saxophone from 1pm.

He said: “It’s going to be a fantastic event.

“I haven’t had my hair cut for about two years and I have now grown a beard as well, which will also be shaved off.

“Hopefully the music will draw a few people in, but I have only been playing the saxophone for a few months.

“Cardiff University is one of the leading institutions in dementia research. I wanted to donate to them rather than to the carers themselves because I believe it is the best chance of finding a cure.

“It’s important for carers to know what they are entitled to, as a lot of people don’t know. Hopefully this event will help raise awareness about this. They can also go to carers centres and find out this information.”

Helena James, centre co-ordinator at Torfaen Carers Centre, said: “Carers need that little bit of respite. A lot of carers get tired, and then feel guilty because of it. They can come to centres like this and not have to worry about whether they are doing enough.”

Mr Weaver previously raised £1,200 for Cardiff University’s dementia facilities when he had his hair cut in 2016, but is looking to beat that total this time.

He has currently raised £120, three weeks before he is set to face the shave. Sponsor forms can be found at Torfaen Carers Centre.

For more information, call the Torfaen Carers Centre on 01495 753838.