A retired woman from Cardiff, along with twelve others, is hoping to raise £10,000 for Whitchurch-based Cancer Research Wales this spring by shaving her head.
Fifty-Nine-year-old Sharon Davies will take part in the bold fundraising challenge, ‘Close Headshave II’, at the Maltsters Arms in Whitchurch on Cardiff on Saturday 14th April.
The event follows ‘Close Headshave I’ held there in 2015 when 25 people raised £11,000 for the charity.
Already a longstanding supporter of the Welsh charity, Sharon has volunteered at the Cancer Research Wales charity shop in Whitchurch for four years, and regularly raises money through local auctions and quiz nights.
Sharon said: “A close friend of mine worked at the charity shop and told me they were looking for more volunteers; I thought I’d give it a go, and I’ve enjoyed it so much that I haven’t looked back.”
Sharon decided to take her support to the next level this year, by taking the brave step of shaving her head to raise money for a cause close to her heart, after losing her mother to cancer.
On volunteering, Sharon said: “I’m sure we all know someone who has lost a friend or relative to cancer. It affects many people from all walks of life, and I wanted to help raise as much money as possible for the charity I love by doing something daring; I’ve even dyed my hair on brand with the bright Cancer Research Wales colours to raise more awareness ready for the big day!
“So far I’m the only woman brave enough to rise to the challenge and I wonder if any more long-haired supporters would like to join me? When my fellow fundraiser and event organiser Alastair Milburn asked me, my mouth answered before my brain engaged – I just couldn’t refuse, and although I’m quite tentative about having my head shaved, on the other hand I’m secretly looking forward to it!
“My family and friends think I’m crazy, but very brave, and I’m extremely happy to be taking part in this challenge to raise vital funds for Cancer Research Wales, to support the excellent work they do to help fight cancer.”
Liz Andrews, Cancer Research Wales Director, said: “We are extremely grateful to Sharon and everyone involved in a Close Shave II. To shave your head to raise money for charity is an outstandingly brave and honourable fundraising idea and I applaud those taking part!
“Money raised for Cancer Research Wales goes to clinical and laboratory-based cancer research in universities and hospitals across Wales. That’s where the breakthroughs are taking place, it’s where our scientists are finding answers to the questions that are being asked by cancer researchers all over the world.”
Organiser Alastair Milburn said “Over the last ten years the community has come together and raised more than £50,000 for charity. Anyone who would like to join in on April 14 can contact me at [email protected] or 07813857328.”
The group has also set up a Virgin Giving page for donations at www.bit.ly/2CUaht1
