Malcolm’s brave fundraiser
A THATCHAM man fresh from a half-marathon charity challenge is taking on a new fundraiser in memory of his wife and to support those who helped her.
Malcolm Hannington will be braving the shave of a lockdown haircut to raise money for the Thatcham Support Group.
The charity was set up to help people with cancer and their friends, family or carers exchange views and coping tips, as well as providing emotional support.
The group helped Mr Hannington’s wife Josephine before she died of cancer last Christmas.
Mr Hannington said: “It’s a small group and they are desperate for funds as they want to provide support for sufferers.
“Alongside a cancer diagnosis comes treatment.
“Chemotherapy, among other side effects, can cause hair loss.
“For a lot of people their hair can be their pride and joy, and it certainly was for my Josie.
“The heartbreak of brushing your hair in the morning to discover that you are losing large clumps is indescribable.
“That’s why I have decided to shave off all of my hair to raise money for Thatcham Cancer
Support Group in memory of my late wife.
“Josie enjoyed attending the support group, where she made friends and talked through her problems with other people experiencing the same troubles.
“As well as this, the group also provided Josie with uplifting pamper sessions, a wonderful canal trip and a lovely Christmas dinner.”
Unable to have his hair cut in lockdown, Mr Hannington will ‘brave the shave’ at George Frederick Barbers Shop on Tuesday.
He has set himself a £500 target and donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/malcolms-lockdown-haircut
Mr Hannington raised more than £3,000 for Newbury Cancer Care after completing a halfmarathon around Thatcham on his 70th birthday last month.
He said the challenge was a fitting way to mark his birthday and remember Josie at her memorial bench at the Thatcham lakes, one of her favourite spots.
The Thatcham Support Group met at Thatcham Parish Hall between 10.30am and noon before lockdown and is looking to resume when the hall opens.