THE friend of a man who lost his life to suicide is honouring his memory - by shaving off her long locks.
Maya Holligan will be raising money for a Cumbrian mental health charity as well as donating the hair to alopecia charities.
The 27-year-old, from Haverthwaite, has chronic fatigue syndrome and decided on the brave act because she is unable to do charity work or events.
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She lost her friend Laurie, who lived not far from her in North Cumbria, to suicide.
Their families lived just a couple of hours from each other and used to spend time together regularly.
She described their house as 'the best kitchen atmosphere ever' but explained that Laurie was a conflicted person.
"We bonded over shared struggles with our mental health and our interests in psychology, spirituality, nature, sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
"He was always open about my emotional struggles and checked in on me but as time went on and we were further apart he shared less about himself.
"If there is anything I regret it is not having visited home and been able to see him a last time, talk to him properly."
She moved to New Zealand six years ago however, despite the relocation, has chosen suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters in her home county.
She said: "Every Life Matters was the preference of my friends and family. The charity is local to them and has been a really helpful resource.
"When I looked into them I was really impressed - they have a fantastic website, with such amazing information.
"Even if someone isn’t local to them, it’s still a very worthwhile website with advice, guides, crisis plans, directories of resources and peer support groups."
The head shave will take place on Wednesday (April 24) at Allure Hair Studio in New Zealand and the hair will go to Sustainable Salons.
The not-for-profit organisation supplies it to charities such as Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation (AAAF) to be made into charitable wigs or to fund life-changing programs.
She added: "I realised when my friend died that I had grown complacent about mental health because I’d become so preoccupied with functioning, being productive and gaining people's approval.
"I had lost sight of what was most important.
"I am hoping my shaved hair can be a reminder to me each day to be myself and to value being authentic and open instead of conforming to fear."
Maya is carrying on her mental health message by training to become a health and mental health coach.
To donate, please visit the Go Fund Me page.
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