18 months ago I joined Batley Bulldogs Rugby League Club. Myself and my family were made to feel incredibly welcome by the players, staff and supporters the second we walked through the door. The sense of family and community within the club are second to none.

Having beaten cancer herself, the club chairman's wife, Beverley Nicholas, began a fundraising initiative in 2014 named "The Pink Weekend". Since then she's organised sponsored walks, player calendars, family fun days, afternoon tea and of course the infamous Ducking Stool! The team have played one game each of the five seasons in a specially designed Pink Kit which has then been auctioned to raise further monies. The total raise by Batley Bulldogs supporters and friends over the past 5 years is a staggering £71,000.

Sadly, having been diagnosed with cancer a second time, Beverley passed away last month. Although I had only known her a relatively short time, she made an immediate impression on me and my family. It is blindingly obvious that she was and incredible woman. She has left a giant hole in the hearts of her family, and the club.

I believe the most fitting way for me to remember this remarkable woman is to contribute to the Pink Weekend. I wanted to do something significant to raise as much money as possible and, as I have been growing my hair for almost 3 years, I have decided to do a sponsored head shave with all donations going to one of the charities that Beverley supported, Against Breast Cancer.

My hair itself will be donated to The Little Princess Trust charity, an organisation that aim to provide real hair wigs to children and young people that have lost theirs due to cancer treatments and other conditions. Since 2006, they have provided over 7,500 wigs, free of charge, to those that need them and have awarded over £2.8M in grants to research kinder, more effective treatments for children's cancers.

Please give generously where you can to support these fantastic causes!  #LetsCureCancer