Home Press Releases Braving the shave for Macmillan Cancer Support
A CARE home worker has braved the shave to support those with cancer in memory of her brother and a close friend – who both died from the disease – as well as her sister who is currently battling skin cancer.
Catherine Storey, general assistant at Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West, in Hebburn, near Newcastle, has raised over £435 through a sponsored head shave.
The money will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, the 2019/20 chosen charity of the Hill Care Group, which operates the care home where Catherine works.
She has also donated her lost locks to the Little Princess Trust, which provides free real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.
Catherine was supported on the day of the shave, which took place at Willowdene Care Home, by her husband Mark, father-in-law Jeff and sons Paul and Robert.
She said: “I wanted to do this in memory of my brother Jeff and my close friend, who both died from the disease, as well as my sister Julia who is currently battling skin cancer.
“It feels a bit weird to shave my head but I didn’t want to do a run. It’s took me 10 years to grow my hair long, but it’s only hair and it’ll grow back.
“Thanks to my family and to Christine Chandler, Willowdene’s activities coordinator, for their support.”
Christine, a colleague and friend of Catherine’s, said: “I’m so proud of Catherine for doing this. What an incredible person she is.”
Professional hairdresser Chloe Kirkham, from Halo Hairdressers, in Hebburn, volunteered to shave Catherine’s head. She said: “A truly brave and amazing thing to do for people battling such an awful disease. Well done Catherine.”
Willowdene Care Home resident Maureen Brown, who watched Catherine getting her hair shaved off, said: “She’s so brave.”
Catherine added: “I’ve ordered some hair bands with flowers on to match my uniform, so that our residents who have dementia will still recognise me.
“Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me. Every penny is gratefully received and will all go towards supporting those with cancer.”