Ada braves the shave to fight back against terrible disease

A Barnstaple teenager has raised almost £7,500 after having her cherished long curly locks shaved off in support of her mum who is battling a terrible disease.

Ada Barstow, aged 14, had a full head shave in honour of mum Emma Bray, who is being taken away from her two children by motor neurone disease.

It was a brave move for Ada, who had described her long curls as ‘a big part of my personality’ and the big head shave took place at her school, Park Community School, on the last weekend before the summer holidays.

Above: Ada Barstow and mum Emma Bray after the teenager had her head shaved to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Credit: Emma Bray

As well as raising £7,410 so far for the Motor Neurone Disease Association via and online JustGiving page, her hair was also donated to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.

Above: Ada’s head shave gets underway at Park School, carried out by hairdresser and family friend Gem Rundle. Credit: Emma Bray

Ada said: “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of money that’s been donated and hope it makes a difference to people suffering with MND.

“My head is colder but much easier to look after than before!”

Above: Ada admires her new look after giving up her curly locks to raise more than £7,000 in the fight against motor neurone disease. Credit: Emma Bray

Mum Emma has been amazed by her daughter’s efforts. She said: “I’m unbelievably proud of Ada - to be that brave and strong at 14 is phenomenal.

“The more awareness and funds we can raise for MND the better, I’m hopeful that in the future there will be a cure and treatment for this horrible disease and Ada’s bravery will have contributed to the research to enable that.”

Emma, aged 41, was diagnosed with MND just a year ago after living with symptoms since 2020 and being given various wrong diagnoses. The degenerative disease affects the brain and nerves and causes weakness and muscle wasting.

Emma has been incredibly proud of the support she receives from Ada and her son, aged 13, but there is no treatment available for MND and tragically she may only live for another year.

She is under the care of an Exeter-based neurologist who holds a clinic once a month at North Devon Hospice and the hospice has been a huge support to the family.

If you would still like to make a donation for Ada’s fundraiser, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/page/ada-barstow-1714650777254