Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Colleen braves shave for charity
A young Monklands woman who shaved her head in support of leukemia victims has described it as “one of the easiest decisions” she’s ever made.
Coleen Hannaway braved the shave at her Bargeddie home in front of proud family members.
The health and social care student’s gran, Agnes Hannaway, passed away from leukemia in 2013 and she decided she wanted to do something for charity in her memory.
Generous Coleen has donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust to help cancer-stricken kids who have lost their hair after treatment.
The 19-year-old told the Advertiser: “My gran and I were really close and she stayed just up the road from me so I visited her a lot.
“She was a close friend and more than just a gran to me.
“It was nice to have my family there and my sister was actually in charge of the clippers and shaved my head.
“It was a really good laugh and I don’t regret it at all.” She continued: “I initially planned to just cut my hair and donate it to the Little Princess Trust, but then just thought I might as well shave it too in support of victims.
“I was actually really excited to do it and it is one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made.
“It feels different and my head is colder when I’m outside.
“People keep telling me I look like my brother so I will need to make sure that I keep the make-up on!
“I’m really happy though and I’m proud that I’ve done it.”
Coleen, who hopes to become a midwife, cut around 12 inches off her hair at the longest point before it went under the razor.
As well as donating her hair, she has raised £400 for the charity and added: “Doing this has made me want to do more for charity.
“It’s given me a sense of fulfilment and I enjoy helping people.
“It wasn’t a big deal for me to lose my hair but I feel really good about it and I’ll be thinking of new ways to raise money.
“I set a target of £ 500 and I’m currently at £ 400 through my JustGiving page and also charity tins in local shops.
“I’ll keep it open in case anybody wants to donate over the next wee while.”
You can donate to Coleen’s fantastic cause at www.justgiving. com/coleen-hannaway1