Blind woman cuts running guide's hair for young persons' mental health charity CASY

A visually impaired woman is taking part in a blind cut for charity.

Netty Stevens, who lost her sight at 34, joked about cutting off her running guide, Paul Davidson’s, hair when they discussed ways to celebrate their 100th parkrun together.

But throw-in the chance to raise some money for charity and the joke soon became a serious idea.

Netty will take part in the blind cut on Sunday to raise money for Counselling and Support for Young People (CASY).

Netty said: “My family and some of my friends have children that have been negatively affected by mental and emotional health issues.”

CASY provides support and counselling to young people between six and 25 who have had their lives affected by mental health issues.

Netty has never cut hair before but said it couldn’t be worse than Paul’s current style.

She said: “Paul’s wife has been begging him to get it cut so I’m just doing her a favour really.

“What could possibly go wrong?”

Paul admitted that there would be a professional hairdresser on standby, just in case.

Netty, who runs with NotFast and Paul, who runs with Grantham Athletics Club, regularly run together.

The pair first met four years ago at a Newark parkrun.

Paul said: “About four years ago I was diagnosed with an eye condition and I was worried about my sight.

“I saw Netty at the Newark parkrun and had a chat with her. We have been running together ever since.”

For every £5 donated, one ticket will automatically be entered into a raffle, which will take place at the blind haircut on Sunday.

Prizes include a Sunday lunch for two at the Rumbles Café at Sconce and Devon Park, an art workshop, a couple of bottles of wine and a hairdryer.

Tickets will available on the day up until the draw.

Netty said: “We already have a number of prizes but if you have something or a service you are able to donate please get in touch or bring it along on the day.”

As well as the blind cut, Netty will be taking part in four runs this year to raise money for CASY.

The first is a 20-mile run on March 24, followed by the London Marathon with Paul on April 28.

Netty will also be completing the Hathersage Hurtle, which is a 20-mile race in May, and the Newark Half-marathon in August.

The blind cut will take place at the Navigation on Sunday at 2pm.

Anyone is welcome to go along.

To donate to Netty’s JustGiving page click here.