A Sidmouth woman has shaved all her hair off to support those living with cancer and the charity supporting them through their diagnosis.
Peggy Anderson decided to brave the shave after finding out about a friend’s daughter who was undergoing treatment for leukaemia.
The 64-year-old has seen several family members, including both her parents, and close friends affected by cancer.
She has raised more than £650 so far for Macmillan Cancer Support following the shave last Friday.
Peggy said: “I can’t run a marathon or swim the channel, but I can get my hair cut, so the Macmillan brave the shave campaign is perfect for people like me to join in the fundraising.
“I’m doing this for all the people who are living with cancer now. Macmillan is there to help you, but it needs funds.
“I’m not being brave, I just want to help Macmillan support people experiencing cancer. So many people in my family have been through this illness.
“In particular, I remember my mum begging me not to leave her in hospital: she would have loved to have support at home.”
Peggy added her hopes the challenge will tackle the stigma of being bald.
She said: “I hope that this campaign will eventually help remove the stigma associated with being bald, show everyone that their hair has nothing to do with their self-worth, and make shaving your head such a popular choice that when you are really ill and have no choice, at least you won’t have to worry about your appearance, because it will be normal.
“If enough people shave their heads to raise funds for Macmillan, being bald could become commonplace and not something which makes people stare at you, or give you a sympathetic look.”
Peggy had her hair shaved by Stacey Hullatt, owner of Barnet Hairdressers, in Fore Street.
She was cheered on by family and friends who stepped up to cut nearly 10 inches of her hair off, which she hopes can go towards making wigs for those undergoing chemotherapy. She thanked her husband Dave and her daughter Hannah for their support.
If you would like to donate to visit Peggy’s online page: https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/peggy-anderson
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