The secret millionaire: jennifer cheyne

Three hairdressers took part in the popular Channel Four programme The Secret Millionaire this year. We speak to the philanthropics about their experiences on the show. "I was attracted to The Secret Millionaire because it is one of the few programmes that shows such a positive end result and where charities and people's plights are highlighted." "I stayed in a village in Wales called Aberfan which suffered a heartbreaking disaster in 1966 when a slag heap slid on top of a primary school and houses and all the children and some adults were killed. The village was devastated as a whole generation was lost." "My undercover story was that I was a hairdresser helping a friend film a documentary about the area, so I worked in the local salon called Angie's Den." "I met some amazing people during my time there. One was a girl who set up a charity called Cancer Aid, who I helped organise an extended kitchen so she could make cakes to sell." "I also met a single dad of three, one of whom, his 14-year-old daughter Clara, was extremely ill with cancer. It was so rewarding seeing their joy when I surprised them with a fabulous holiday." "I also met an incredible couple; the wife suffered from severe Alzheimer's disease. I discovered funding for carers had been cut back so I made a donation to the company that supplies the carers so the husband could get some respite." "The whole experience was a rollercoaster of emotions; being out of my comfort zone and not being able to contact my family, friends and work colleagues. Living on £10 benefits a day and in basic accommodation without any comforts - my eyes were opened to the problems suffered by so many people. "I firmly believe that, if you are lucky enough to be born into a prosperous area, to have a good education and reasonable security, then you are among the most privileged on earth. We are all fortunate in hairdressing, to be trained and have a career we love and so it is wonderful to be in the fortunate position that we can give something back." "We have recently launched our own charity called Cheynes Foundation and with the funds rolling in it is so exciting deciding who we can help. It's wonderful to see the team inspired and taking responsibility: it helps them to grow personally and builds self esteem, and also encourages team spirit within the salons." "I have returned twice to Wales. I held a party for all the people in the programme and am in regular contact with them all. Last week I received the joyous news that Clara has just been given the all clear from her cancer. She has just completed a beauty therapy course and is now training to be a hairdresser." "One of the most amazing things about the whole experience was discovering how generous and friendly people could be. I made some wonderful friends in such a short space of time. It was a humbling experience and strengthened my faith in people."

• See how The Secret Millionaire changed Adee Phelan's life here
• Find out how the show affected Lee Stafford here