Norwich salon’s 24-hour styling marathon for charity
Brian Coombes, right, and his team, from left, Tatiana Matthews, Rebecca Dean, and Charlie Street, front, ready for their 24 hour hairdressing and manicures marathon. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2014
On October 19, Mr Coombes and the stylists at his salon on Bedford Street spent 24 hours offering free haircuts in return for a donation.
Brian Coombes hairdressing, who completed a 24-hour styling marathon for charity - Credit: Archant
The 38 year-old said: 'It was phenomenal. The amount of support we had throughout the night was amazing.
'We had people phoning up at 1am for appointments and people walking in to the salon at 5am for a blow dry.'
Hairdressers Tatiana Matthews and Charlie Street helped Brian in the hairstyling charity marathon said it went really well.
It was the stories from customers throughout the night and realising how many people are affected by cancer that kept the team going.
You may also want to watch:
Mr Street said: 'What really touched me was that a gentleman rung up at midnight and booked in for 1am. He had sadly lost his wife to cancer five years ago.'
Mr Coombes, of St. Faith's Street, was worried they would not have any customers in the early hours of the morning, but he need not have worried.
Most Read
- 1 Famous Norwich firm locked in legal battle with Red Bull
- 2 New BBQ takeaway set to open in Norwich
- 3 'We do everything correctly': Norwich takeaway handed one star hygiene rating
- 4 'Sneaky and selfish' changes to bus route slammed
- 5 To cross or not to cross? Pledge to trim back danger hedge at blind corner
- 6 Inconvenience store: Family business blighted by roadworks
- 7 Former teacher who abused young boys handed 25-year sentence
- 8 Bus services to be cancelled and changed amid driver shortage
- 9 'We will come back stronger': Norwich restaurant to close for rebranding
- 10 Bars, restaurants and shops - Five new openings in Norwich this September
'We had as many people in at 5pm a at 5am,' he said.
'People didn't want to walk through the streets on their own in the early hours, so would bring their friends and family.
'The street was deserted apart from us and all you could hear was laughter, it was a real party atmosphere.'
The hair salon owner stressed that it was the support from everyone that made it possible.
He said: 'I am humbled by the whole thing. There were times when we would hit a brick wall, but then someone else walked in and you just had to keep going.
'I couldn't hope for a better group of people. They all worked for free and asked for nothing in return.'
Rebecca Dean, who did nail treatments through the night said: 'I was overwhelmed by the support. It has restored my faith in humanity.
'People wanted to donate even if they didn't have any treatments.'
Talking about the future, Mr Coombes said: 'I would absolutely do it again. It would be nice to get other salons involved across Norfolk, as then we would raise a real decent amount of money.'
So far, the team has raised over £2,200 with more donations coming in.
To donate, visit justgiving.com/Brian-Coombes/
Are you planning a charity event for a cause close to your heart? Email locallife@archant.co.uk.
