Why are you shaving your heads? 

Well, for each of us the reason is different. 

 Naomi

Shaving my head for me is not just in solidarity for people who lose their hair during chemotherapy. It's also my way of pushing myself out of my comfort zone and accepting the insecurities I use my hair to hide. 

I was brought up, like many others, believing in an ideal beauty standard and that not fitting into this meant there was something wrong with you. For me, this was the height of my forehead. I call it my 5 head! For years I would try anything to hide it and do my best to work towards these unattainable standards. What the media perceives as beautiful is constantly changing so it’s a never-ending race to an unrealistic goal. This can be harmful in so many ways.

Learning that people avoid going to health professionals with concerning symptoms to avoid revealing their insecurities shocked me because early diagnoses can save lives!

We should never feel like we can’t fully be ourselves because we don’t fit somebody else’s mould. This is why I’m pushing myself to accept myself completely for what I am and to love every inch of this amazing body I have, and hopefully this will inspire others to do the same.

Liz

As a woman who has grown up in a world that is influenced so heavily by the media and at times what has felt like competition, forced upon women to be better than each other, prettier than each other and jealous of each other, it seems more and more important to support each other.

I am lucky enough that I have not known anyone close to me have breast cancer, however it does not stop it being a cause close to my heart, with my mum being a mammographer for Breast Test Wales for over 30 years.

I’m now in my first year of a midwifery degree and so I feel I’m taking on that responsibility and owe it to the women I work with and care for to make sure they are informed, educated and confident about their own bodies, especially their boobs!

If I can persuade even one person to check their breasts or pecs more regularly or if one person finds a lump, benign or malignant, and takes action through awareness of what Coppafeel are trying to achieve, than not having the hair on my head will be worth it.

*Once we reach our target we will be shaving our heads and embracing our insecurities via live stream. We want everyone who supported to be able to get involved  and watch from the safety of their home. ( link to be given once target is reached.)

We'd love to be able to do this as an event publicly but as it stands it is not safe to do but if this changes closer to the time we will make sure to post new information.

We know these are hard times so if you are not in a position to donate please don't feel you have to. Sharing with family and friends is so so helpful.*

And of course please remember to check those breasts/pecs! 

Thank you!