Two sons shave heads for Rowans Hospice after being inspired by their parents

Oliver Drain from Waterlooville used to have long locks but decided to shave his head as part of Rowans Hospice’s Mow or Grow fundraise.

The charity, based in Purbrook, has been providing support to his father Spencer who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018.

The 49-year-old has been using the service since a routine eye test showed high pressure in his right eye and he was referred for a MRI scan, which showed two brain tumours. One was inoperable.

Spencer said: ‘My cancer is not going to go away but I can talk about other things like topical news or what it is going to be like outside in the spring.

‘It’s a place I feel comfortable, the staff are all fab, when I come in I get “hi Spencer” which is really important because I am me, Spencer, not just a cancer patient.’

Son Oliver has raised £1,010 to say thank you to the staff at Rowans Hospice and help the charity.

It is experiencing financial loss due to the coronavirus outbreak, meaning fundraising events have had to be cancelled and charity shops closed.

Oliver, 24, said: ‘The staff have been amazing and so supportive to our family and my dad so I just wanted to give something back.’

Martin Coumbe, from Portsmouth, wanted to get involved with the challenge as his mother Anita has been part of the nursing team at the hospice for more than 20 years.

The 38-year-old, who raised £500, said: ‘The staff do amazing work and I know they are struggling financially at the moment with no events on and shops closed so I wanted to do my bit for all the people who use the services.’

Those who want to get involved should post before and after photos on social media and tag @RowansHospice and #MowOrGrowForRowans

Hairdos will be scored and the winner will win a complimentary cut and blow dry at Ivy Hair and Beauty in Portsmouth once lockdown measures are lifted.

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