A NEWCASTLE Emlyn waitress who had her head shaved to raise money for charity has been awarded a medal in recognition of her fund-raising.

Yvonne Lloyd, whose son Tristan has Type 1 diabetes, handed over a cheque for £6,290 to Joseph Cuff from Diabetes UK Cymru at the Cooper’s Arms recently.

Presenting Yvonne with a “thank you” medal, Mr Cuff said: “We couldn’t continue to support the 194,000 people across Wales living with diabetes, and their families, without the support of people like Yvonne. We’re so grateful to her for her fund-raising.

“A headshave is not for the faint-hearted and her commitment to the challenge has raised a truly incredible total, as well as raising vital awareness of Type 1 diabetes.”

“I was overwhelmed by the support I had from the local community,” said Yvonne.

“The money kept on coming in. I reached my target of £1,000 within days of putting the word out. As well as the sponsorship money, local businesses donated raffle prizes, the Coopers Arms put on a buffet and of course hairdresser Pamela Atterbury did the shave.”

More than 194,000 people in Wales are living with diabetes of whom around 10 per cent have Type 1.

Type 1 diabetes is a complex, lifelong condition where the body cannot produce the hormone insulin, which controls the amount of sugar in the blood. It affects around 19,000 people in Wales and there is currently no cure.

For more information on Diabetes UK Cymru visit diabetes.org.uk/In_Your_Area/Wales or call 02920 668276