5 Mar 2025 Community

Simply Wigs: Supporting The Kirkwood Through the Wig Bank Scheme

Simply Wigs, a family-run business based in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, has been making a remarkable impact on the local community through its innovative Wig Bank scheme. Over the past two years, the company has raised an astounding £5,000 to support The Kirkwood, an organisation dedicated to providing compassionate care for those with life limiting illnesses in Kirklees.

From the very beginning, Simply Wigs has operated with integrity, sincerity, and kindness at its core. Founded by Emma and Stuart Garrard, the company was built on the principle of making a positive difference to those who wear wigs. Their mission was simple: to create a business that combined knowledge, passion, and genuine care to serve the hair loss community with the respect and compassion it deserves.

The Simply Wigs journey began in 2007, sparked by deeply personal experiences. In the midst of new parenthood, Emma and Stuart faced an unexpected reality when both of their young children were diagnosed with a condition that changed their lives forever. Rather than allowing this to define them, they channelled their energy into building something extraordinary. Today, Simply Wigs has grown from a kitchen table idea into the UK’s largest online wig retailer, all while maintaining its core values of kindness and community.

The Wig Bank initiative is a testament to the generosity and thoughtfulness of Simply Wigs’ customers. Through this scheme, individuals can donate wigs for just £5, a donation that is then match funded by Simply Wigs, effectively doubling the contribution before being donated to The Kirkwood. Since launching in April 2019, over 2,000 people have taken part, sending not just wigs but also heartfelt letters detailing their journeys and reasons for giving.

Speaking about the scheme, Emma shared her thoughts on the impact of their fundraising efforts for The Kirkwood: “The Wig Bank is a wonderful part of Simply Wigs and all of us here are super proud of this service that we offer to our hair loss community.

"There are over 2,000 people who have taken the time to pack up their wigs and write personalised and lovely letters. We are incredibly proud, as this takes thought, effort and ultimately kindness.

"We are touched and moved by the letters that you write to us about your stories and the reasons for your donation. Every letter is read and replied to with a handwritten letter, acknowledging and valuing your donation. We are grateful for you, for your generosity and for being part of this circle of kindness within the Simply Wigs community.

"Since we began the SW Wig Bank, we are delighted to have donated over £3,966.72 to The Kirkwood and this makes our hearts burst with joy. The Kirkwood plays such a crucial part in the local community, and it is a truly treasured place within Kirklees.”

Simply Wigs has chosen The Kirkwood as their preferred charity, recognising the incredible service it provides to the local community. Many of their customers have been cared for by The Kirkwood with dignity and respect, strengthening the connection between the two organisations.

Emma further explained their dedication to this cause: “We decided to support The Kirkwood as our preferred charity because of the wonderful service they provide to our local community. There are several of our customers who have been looked after by The Kirkwood with dignity and respect. We are incredibly proud to support The Kirkwood as we feel a connection to them, due to them being local, and how they are an integral part of the Kirklees region.

"All of us at Simply Wigs are very proud of the Wig Bank and the money that we can donate to The Kirkwood because of it. To know that we are helping The Kirkwood’s patients and supporting their cause is incredibly important to us as individuals and as a company.”

Simply Wigs continues to champion the power of generosity and community through the Wig Bank, proving that small acts of kindness can create a profound and lasting impact. With every wig donation, they are not only supporting The Kirkwood but also fostering a culture of compassion that extends far beyond their business. Their dedication to helping those in need demonstrates the true spirit of giving and reinforces their belief that success is measured not in profits, but in the positive change they bring to people's lives.