Leigh Park woman braves the shave to 'give something back' by raising £1,300 for Macmillan Cancer Support

Caroline Setford did not let the fear of finding out the shape of her head stop her from braving the shave to give something back to Macmillan Cancer Support - and has raised hundreds in the process.

The 36-year-old has witnessed how helpful the charity has been during her mum Jill Storey’s illness, and wanted to do what she could to help support these services.

Leigh Park resident Caroline said her mum is doing very well. She added: ‘Macmillan has played such a big part with the support they give - choosing wigs, hair care, diet. Even just seeing a nice, friendly face when you turn up to the hospital helps.

‘Macmillan was just brilliant and I just want to give something back. I thought, as the kind of girl who would normally have hair extensions, what else could I do?’

With the help of husband Richard, who made his first ever attempt at shaving hair, Caroline took her shoulder-length locks down to a grade two style - after a last-minute decision to go a grade shorter than planned.

After posting a video on Facebook of the shave, support and donations flooded in from friends, family and strangers, meaning Caroline’s efforts have raised £1,350 for the charity so far.

SEE ALSO: Selfless Leigh Park LunchBank PO9 volunteers cook up a storm for self-isolating residents in need

Caroline, who manages Bedhampton Community Centre, said: ‘I only had in mind that I wanted to raise £200 - people have been so kind. People’s support has been incredible but I think that’s because Macmillan is such a worthwhile charity, it does so many good things.’

While getting used to new sensations such as feeling the wind on her scalp, Caroline has reflected on how much she appreciates the donations from well-wishers.

She said: ‘I’m lucky I get to choose to do this, because so many people lose their hair through treatment and don’t get a choice. I just want to say thank you for everyone’s support, people are so kind.’

Visit bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/caroline-setford to donate.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.