Dame Kelly Holmes drops in to Tooley Street’s Stress Exchange

Despite a hectic schedule, the double Olympic gold medallist, who is a client of the Tooley Street salon, shaved Barbara Comerford's tresses in support of Hair and Beauty Benevolent (HABB).

As the hairdressing industry's only official charity, it is dedicated to helping hair and beauty professionals and their families facing illness, bereavement or financial hardship.

Dame Kelly praised Barbara's bravery and said: "HABB is a very attractive cause and because I come to this salon, supporting the event today was perfection."

Barbara Comerford, a keen fundraiser, has been a member of the Stress Exchange team for eight years. She said: "I wasn't scared of getting my hair shaved because it is something I've always wanted to do, especially because I have always supported HABB."

For her the venture goes hand-in-hand with her ambition to promote and provide a choice wig styling service for cancer patients, alopecia sufferers and those test driving a new hairstyle at the Stress Exchange.

Yesterday's shave was part of a larger annual fundraising feat for HABB. Aiming to raise £5000, the Stress Exchange has hosted many events: a Greek themed meal, a raffle of Aveda beauty products and an art sale.

On 29 September Stress Exchange owner and London regional secretary of the National Hairdressing Federation Ian Egerton will join a group of 30 hairdressers embarking on a five-day, 400 km sponsored bike ride around Cape Cod, Boston.

He added: "It is a great opportunity both to give back to the hairdressing industry and help invest in its future."

To sponsor the Stress Exchange team and help raise funds for their charitable project simply donate online at www.justgiving.com/Ian-Egerton or drop in to the salon at 130-132 Tooley Street.