Go back 10 years and it’s fair to say that nine year old Lily would be on top of the world right now, but back in 2010, my parents had much more of a say in what I could or couldn’t do. Fast forward that decade and nineteen year old me is in full control (sorry mum and dad!) and so I will now be fulfilling my childhood dreams by shaving my head and going bald on the 21st March with the help from Innovation hair salon in Swanage (who have kindly offered to do it for free!). I’ve made some bad hair choices across the years but this will (literally) be my baldest move to date (although Evie promises me that nothing can be as bad as my Floridian corn rows!).

It’s fair to say that my last few years have not gone all that smoothly. From developing Graves’ Disease and undergoing a total thyroidectomy, resulting in hypocalcaemia and hypertrophic scarring, to having to suspend my place studying medicine at my top choice uni when my need to be the best became the reason I could no longer even compete. So, in short, I am far from where I aimed and wanted to be.

However, thanks to the outstanding care at Poole Hospital (we’ll let the 17 hour A&E wait slide!), I am lucky enough to know that one day I will be able to achieve all my goals again (and as my mum says anyway –
first times always a practice!). So please help me to help those who gave me my life back – on more than one occasion (fingers crossed this will be the last!) by clicking on the link above and donating – all donations will go to Poole Hospital Charity (http://www.poolehospitalcharity.co.uk/).

And if you need anymore convincing that this is a splendid
cause:

• My dad will now have longer hair than me (I was
  just adjusting to his jeans being skinnier than mine, but when it comes to
  hair, I thought I’d always have the upper hand).
• I will permanently look like I do in my swimming
  cap (thanks for that reminder, mum!).
• The world will be introduced to probably (most
  definitely) the palest scalp on the planet (I wish I was joking!).