The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Arbroath lollipop lady braves the shave for cancer charity
SPONSORSHIP: Woman honours memory of friend with £638 raised
An Angus lollipop lady has “braved the shave” to support the valuable work and support offered to those battling cancer.
Shirley Sharp, 55, from Arbroath, lost a close friend to the illness earlier this year, but wanted to do something to repay the help they both received at the Macmillan Day Care Unit at Arbroath Infirmary.
She signed up for Macmillan’s Brave the Shave to have her head shaved in the hope of initially raising £200 to help towards the charity’s running costs.
She has been overwhelmed with the support she received, which more than trebled her target, raising £638.
Shirley, 55, is employed by Tayside Contracts and is a well-known figure at the Mayfield shops junction of St Ninians Road and Linton road, crossing pupils from Hayshead and St Thomas primary schools, as well as adults.
She had her hair shaved off in memory of her childhood friend, Doug Murray, who died in April aged 68.
She said: “I had known Doug for much of my life. He was a hard worker and would help anyone needing a hand.
“We were made welcome at the Macmillan group sessions in Arbroath Infirmary. They helped to explain and make us more at ease with things by answering questions and listening to questions we both had and fears that could follow.
“The Macmillan groups have also been such a help for myself, to help me understand.
“Now Doug has passed, doing my sponsored shave is my way of thanking everyone for their support.”
Shirley and Doug attended the Arbroath unit every week after Doug was diagnosed with stage-four cancer.
Shirley said: “People forget all the extra things you receive when you are going through treatment all cost money.
“A little help goes a long way.”