Hi, I’m Tom Wright, a 19-year-old second-year student at the University of Bristol. In late 2023, I was diagnosed with alopecia universalis, which caused me to lose all of my hair. This life-changing experience happened while I was at university, away from the familiar comfort of home. At first, I thought going through this transition without my family nearby would be incredibly tough, but the friends I made at university were there to support me every step of the way.

The start of my hair loss

I first noticed small patches of hair loss during my first few months at university. At the time, it hit me hard emotionally. Over the next few months, the patches grew, and by December, I was officially diagnosed with alopecia universalis. Mentally, this was a major challenge. The hardest part was stepping outside and being seen in public.

I felt overwhelmed with anxiety and self-consciousness, especially as a young student who wanted to make a good impression.

Support from friends

Surprisingly, I found it easier to talk about my alopecia with my university friends. They offered incredible support, which made a world of difference to my mindset. Going back home, however, was a different experience. The friends I had known before university were shocked—I left school with a full head of hair, and by the time I returned, it was all gone. It often felt exhausting to have the same conversation with everyone, explaining what had happened

Despite that, I’m truly grateful to the people who stood by me during this time. I’m not sure I would still be at university today if it wasn’t for their kindness and support.

Rediscovering confidence

Losing my hair was a huge blow to my confidence. I had always seen myself as confident, but alopecia shook that.

Over time, I became more at ease with my new reality. I realised that having no hair didn’t change who I was. It gave me a chance to focus on what really mattered—my personality, friendships, and passions. As I accepted my alopecia, I felt more comfortable attending events and enjoying university life again. I stopped worrying about how others saw me and learned that the only opinion about me that truly matters is my own.

Embracing life without hair

Alopecia has taught me that I am so much more than my appearance. Once I accepted that, it became easier to embrace this change as part of who I am. In fact, some of the closest friends I have now are people I met after losing my hair. I’ve learned to put myself out there, and it’s opened doors to meaningful connections and experiences.

If you’re reading this and struggling with alopecia, I want you to remember that you are much more than just your hair. Your personality, your values, and your relationships, are what truly define you. The most important thing is to accept yourself and recognise that nothing about your core self has changed.

Why I am running the Bath Half Marathon for Alopecia UK

Ever since my journey with alopecia began, I’ve been passionate about raising awareness for the condition. I was surprised to discover just how little is known or understood about alopecia, even though it affects so many people in different ways. That realisation motivated me to take action, not only for myself but for others going through similar experiences.

When I came across the Bath Half Marathon, it struck me as the perfect opportunity to set an achievable goal that would allow me to do something proactive both for my physical health and for a cause that means so much to me.

What has truly blown me away is the incredible support I’ve received from friends, family, and even the wider community in terms of sponsorship and encouragement. Their generosity and belief in me have been so uplifting, and it’s a privilege to be able to give back to Alopecia UK through this experience.

Not only am I raising funds, but I’m also helping to bring greater awareness to a condition that deserves more attention and understanding.

If anyone would like to support me with my fundraising, you can sponsor me here.