Norwich salon’s 24-hour styling marathon for charity

Charlotte Wharf Locallife@Archant.Co.Uk

Published: 5:10 PM October 21, 2014

Updated: 6:30 PM October 10, 2020

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.

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.

'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.