A BRIDAL beauty specialist is taking on a unique challenge to raise money to help ill and disabled children.

Jenna McDonnell, owner of Jenna McDonnell beauty boutique on Chepstow Road, is embarking on a “hair marathon” in a bid to raise money for her ill nephew and for the Serennu Centre in Rogerstone.

Ms McDonnell said: “I have the Guinness World Record as the fastest bridal hairstylist in the world, which I achieved in 2016 when I did 304 hair ups in seven hours.

South Wales Argus:

Some of the hairstyles done in a previous hair marathon

“I now do a smaller annual challenge, raising money for children’s charities. I’ll complete hundreds of hairstyles for paying customers and every penny goes to charity.

“I don’t get paid a wage, I pay my staff out of my own packet, and one of my staff members, Hannah, will be doing a similar challenge but trying to get the most eyebrow waxes on the weekend.”

South Wales Argus:

Jenna McDonnell with her Guinness World Record

READ MORE: Newport hairdresser becomes Guinness World Record holder for most updos in 8 hours

This year the challenge is even closer to her heart, as she’s aiming to raise money to help her nephew and godson, Patrick Pullen, who is nearly two-years-old.

Patrick was born in March 2017 with no complications, but it became apparent he had physical difficulties and problems eating and sleeping.

South Wales Argus:

One-year-old Patrick Pullen

He is awaiting an MRI scan to confirm his diagnosis and has regular physiotherapy. He attends various sessions at the Serennu Children’s Centre, which is why Ms McDonnell chose to help raise money for them as well as specialist equipment needed for Patrick.

Her hair marathon will take place, at Jenna McDonnell salon on Chepstow Road, on March 16 and 17, coinciding with St Patrick’s day plus little Patrick’s second birthday.

South Wales Argus:

The hair marathon will run alongside her first Wedding Fayre, which is free to attend and will run on both day’s between 9am and 6pm.

This is an opportunity to check out hand-selected, award-winning suppliers, exclusive details and discounts, with a chance to win tickets to Wales’ only wedding festival, Cwtshfest.

You can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jenna-mcdonnell

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