Sara Metcalfe, from Caldwell, set herself a goal of completing 50 challenges to raise money for the A-T (ataxia-telangiectasia) Society last September.
The mother-of-one was determined to raise as much cash as possible for the cause as her teenage nephews, Arthur and Charlie, suffer from A-T – a life limiting auto-immune condition.
Her year-long “Challenge Sara 50-50” has raised £17,000 for the A-T Society.
It culminated in her having nearly one foot of her hair snipped and donated to the Little Princess Trust.
Mrs Metcalfe said: “The idea was for friends and family to challenge me to anything they wanted as long as they were involved in some way and we raised money while doing it.”
A-T is a degenerative condition with limited treatment options and no cure.
It is often referred to as a “multi-system” disorder as it affects several structures within the body.
By seven years old most children will be in a wheelchair and by 14 they are severely disabled and likely to have developed cancer or lung disease.
Weak immune systems mean Mrs Metcalfe’s nephews are now fighting cancer.
Mrs Metcalfe added: “Charlie just finished a lengthy course of chemotherapy and is now waiting for two hip replacements.
“They are both physically disabled and have a range of medical problems but are great lads with a wicked sense of humour and never complain.”
Mrs Metcalfe’s challenges ranged from a 5km run dressed as a fairy to getting into her wedding dress 17 years after tying the knot.
And she wasn’t the only one who shed her locks for the cause.
Her close friend Amy Aspden donated 15.5 inches of her hair and Marwood’s Joan Cross said farewell to her pigtails stashed away more than 50 years ago.
Research and the work of the A-T Society has meant life expectancy for people with the illness has improved in the past decade from late teens to mid 20s.
Mrs Metcalfe showered praise on everyone who helped and donated services free of charge for their “incredible” support.
She said: “Thank you everyone for helping me make this year a massive success – I could not have done it without you.”
Despite completing her 50 challenges, Mrs Metcalfe says she will be repeating some of the wacky feats next year.
People are still able to donate to the cause via a Virgin Money Giving page at: https://goo.gl/KzYEhp
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