Allison braves the full shave
A WOMAN from Hinckley has had her hair completely shaved off for charity in support of Macmillan’s Brave the Shave campaign.
43-year-old Allison Miles, who works at the local Tesco store, chose to have her head shaved in public outside of the supermarket, raising funds for the cancer support group.
Local hairdresser, Gemma Rowley from 75 The Barber Shop, on Castle Street, gave up her time to shave Allison’s head on Saturday September 8.
Allison’s colleagues also got involved in the fundraising, with help from Services manager, Danny Walker, and the team even swapped their usual uniform for green and purple clothing in support of the charity.
“I’ve wanted to shave my head for a long time but have never been brave enough to do it,” says Allison.
“I saw the campaign on social media and thought that if I’m going to do it then I should do it for a good cause not for me. Most families have been affected by cancer, mine included.
“It’s important to me to do what I can to help such an amazing cause.
“By no means does this mean I understand how it feels to suffer from cancer and lose my hair but it is about raising awareness and crucial funds for those on the front line and helping patients and families that are going through such difficult times.”
So far, Allison’s head shave and subsequent fundraising by colleagues, family members and friends has boosted her total to £360, which is expected to increase even more with final donations.
It was Allison’s husband, Paul, who encouraged her to fill in the application, and after completing the task, she says she felt a sense of achievement, “I chose to shave my hair, but many people who have cancer don’t have that choice as it happens as a side effect from their treatment.
“Sadly, many people are affected by cancer now, whether it be themselves or family members.
“It’s important to know that everyone can have access to help and support when they need it,” she said.
After admiring her mum’s bravery, Allison’s 11-year-old daughter has decided she would like to follow in her mum’s footsteps and have her hair shaved and donated to The Little Princess Trust, who provide real hair wigs free of charge to children and young adults up to the age of 24, who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other illnesses.