I wanted to make a difference
MICHELLE RAISING MONEY IN TRIBUTE TO LOVED ONES HIT BY CANCER
A WOMAN has shaved her head to honour loved ones diagnosed with cancer and raise money for charity.
Michelle Chambers, from Sileby, decided to take part in fund-raising effort for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The 35-year-old, an after-school leader at Seagrave Village Primary School, live-streamed the event, at Seagrave Memorial Hall at 11am on Tuesday, so all the children could watch. They were unable to attend due to coronavirus restrictions.
She said: “I had only just found out after Christmas that my dad was diagnosed, so it was extra meaningful for me to take part in.
“He had a hernia, went to the emergency room and they found it all over his tongue, throat and lungs.
“It was really hard for me because he lives in the States and he’s so far away.
“He’s still waiting on the diagnosis for the tongue and throat.
“But I told him we would be twinning now with our shaved heads.
Michelle, who had a cancer scare herself when she was 19, said: “My original motivation was my grandmother, who passed away 25 years ago from cancer.
“I remember at the time we couldn’t afford hospice care, so she had to live with us.
“I was only nine years old and I had to witness her deteriorate and lose her hair because of the chemo. The feeling has always stayed with me.
“My best friend’s mum also died from it when we were only 13, not to mention my uncle, who is currently under palliative care.
“I’ve lost so many people in my life from the disease and I really wanted to make some sort of difference.”
A friend, whom Michelle met 12 years ago on her arrival in the UK from the States, also recently died.
“She was the first person I met and connected with in the UK and she died at the young age of 30, leaving behind her newborn daughter,” Michelle said.
“It’s been two years since her death and I’m still not over it.”
She said: “We have some charities in the USA but nothing like the forces dedicated in the UK, like Macmillan and Cancer Research, to help those suffering with cancer.
“I’m proud that I live here now, have kids here and have had friends that have used Macmillan services and rave at how good they are.
“I took part in this because I wanted to know I actually did something to support the cause.”
By yesterday, Michelle had exceeded her £500 target with £670.
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