Mum has head shave for cancer charity

Judy Read, from Hadston, had her treasured locks cut off at a special event in Amble Parish Hall on Saturday, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 40-year-old did the stunt to show how proud she is of daughter Jessica, 16, and to raise awareness of childhood cancer, as well as the amazing work that Macmillan does.

Jessica was just two when she was diagnosed with leukaemia and she lost her hair on numerous occasions.

While she was receiving chemotherapy, the youngster suffered major trauma and was left with a brain injury.

Doctors feared that she would never be able to do anything for herself.

Thankfully, Jessica was given the all-clear from leukaemia a decade ago and, after receiving therapy and physio, she can now walk, talk, eat and virtually function for herself.

Judy says the family is lucky to have Jessica in their lives and decided to have her head shaved to give something back to the charity which supported them and others.

And Judy is delighted to announce that she has raised just over £1,800 for the cause, with £773 of that total being donated during Saturday’s fund-raising event, which not only featured the headshave, but also included a raffle, stalls, bouncy castle and other things.

Judy, who lives with partner of 18 months Gill Dixon, 37, said: “Jessica, Gill and I would like to say a massive thank you from the very bottom of our hearts to everyone who played their amazing part in Saturday’s event.

“I’m hoping we as a community have raised awareness of cancer in childhood and although sadly some babies don’t go home from hospital, it’s not all bad, as a lot of youngsters do go on after suffering from this awful disease to have an awesome life. I hope that we’ve also raised awareness for the fantastic work that Macmillan does. I will never forget this day.”

Judy is giving her shaven hair to the Little Princess Trust, which is a charity providing wigs and hair pieces for children who suffer hair loss due to cancer treatment.