First things first, why am I doing this is two-fold... part-history, part-present... 

Where to start...  back in 1991, a very important little man was lost from our family, aged 4 1/2, to Leukaemia.  One of the most beautiful and funniest children I have had the honour of knowing, lost his battle after 2 years of treatment. I joined the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow register back then and am still on it now, hoping to one day be asked for further testing for a match so I can do my bit. More recently, in November 2012, after 33 years married, my sister lost her husband. Our family also lost it's rock and an amazing, loving, supportive family man. Within 24 hours of diagnosis, he too was taken from us by Leukaemia.

My big sister has been my inspiration ever since, soldiering on and doing some sporting charity events with the support of family and friends, to raise funds and awareness.  I wanted to do something... nothing physical (as due an op soon) but something! The idea came after a tongue-in-cheek conversation with my long-time hairdresser and friend. She confirmed my hair wouldn't dye the colour I wanted so I just joked... "I may as well shave it off and start again then"... and there you have it and here we are.

Sadly, I've lost count how many more people I have known, an Aunty, two uncles... all gone too soon.  Others through family and friends, who have been taken or been effected by many forms of Cancer during those years in between.  But another Uncle has been treated for Prostate Cancer and recently been given the all clear, so lets have more of that!  I want to do my bit to help find those cures through research, but research costs money...

£5 - can help a scientist on the path to find a new cancer-causing gene, which scientists can then develop drugs against to beat cancer

£10 - can pay for two 'sponge on a string' examinations, a new evolutionary test that can help prevent oesophageal cancer

£94 - can cover the cost of one woman taking part in clinical trials, aiming to improve survival in early-stage breast cancer

£157 - can cover the cost for one man taking part in a study to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy for testicular cancer

For the few people I have told so far, I've had different reactions when telling them what I'm doing... statements like "you're mad", "you're doing what?!!" and "well done you, but I couldn't do it" to name a few.  For me, it's easy, I have this choice, those receiving treatment for their various forms of Cancer, often don't have that choice... they lose their hair whether they want to or not. After all, what's the worst that can happen to me? l'll have a crew cut for a bit, which will grow back - big deal!

My husband and children are totally behind me, and they too are my inspiration - every day!

I am looking to raise as much as I can, aiming to reach my target so I can go ahead with D-day some time in January... so watch this space!

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