For the past year Wendy and fellow hairdresser and close friend Julie Sinclair have been raising money to help support 21-year-old Matthew Johnson who is a close friend of the family with severe brain damage.

They had a donation jar in the hairdressing salon for the past few months and Wendy decided to up the stakes and shave her head if they could reach $1000.

“We went over,” Wendy said.

“We ended up with $1800 so our hair is being shaved off.”

Wendy said she was overwhelmed by the amount of support they received from people wanting to donate, including the Carcoola Craft Group which held an separate fundraiser.

Tragedy struck last October when Matthew crashed while riding his new motorbike.

“It was horrible, it was his first day with his motorbike and he was so excited,” Wendy said.

“And now he can’t speak, I can’t even begin to understand what his parents are going through.”

Matt spent six months in Royal Perth Hospital and then a further four months in rehabilitation and is now confined to a wheelchair with little functionality.

“It’s terrible how a split-second decision can change everything.”

“When we got that call we were all in shock, seeing someone that was so full of life just laying there.”

Wendy reflected on Matthew’s smile.

She was thankful he could still smile and still communicate even though he was still unable to talk.

“He can certainly let us know when he’s angry with us, especially when we cut his hair.”

Wendy and Julie are aiming to raise enough money towards a van with wheelchair accessibility help Matthew’s parents.

“Any small thing we can do to help goes a long way,” Wendy said.

“It’s very hard for them and it can be very mentally draining trying to keep up with every day things and give Matthew the attention he needs.

“I think he gets very frustrated as well.”

Matt’s parents are hoping to have Matt home for Christmas.

Wendy and Julie are confident Matt will pull through for them.

“The mind is an amazing thing,” she said, “but it’s going to be a long, slow haul.”