Wakefield pensioner who 'defied death' in car crash shaves head for charity

Beryl Howgate, 72, was left with severe brain damage after a crash in 1981, and doctors told her family she may never talk or walk again.

But despite this, she has made a full recovery, relearning to walk, talk, smell and taste.

Each year, for the anniversary of her accident and the "start of her second life", she organises a fundraising activity for a charity or local group.

Her previous fundraisers have included building community gardens and taking part in long-distance runs.

This year's fundraiser was a sponsored head shave in honour of Sense, which supports people with complex disabilities.

She said: "I'm going to have my head shaved. It's going to be hard for me to do. I have a lovely head of hair.

"I don't know how I'm going to feel when I have it cut off, but it's temporary. For those kids, their disabilities will last forever.

"It's my way of thanking the medical profession for the wonderful second chance that I've been given.

"The everyday things most people take for granted, I've relearned.

"I've had to relearn how to walk, smell, taste and read. I wasn't expected to live. The neurosurgeon said if I lived, I would live with mental disabilities.

"I've been blessed with a wonderful second chance in life and therefore I feel the need to support those who have not been so fortunate."

Beryl completed her head shave on Tuesday, September 1, with the help of staff at Shavers in Dewsbury.

Her fundraiser has so far raised more than £200, which will go to help people across the UK living with complex disabilities.

Find out more about Beryl's fundraiser here.