Melksham woman shaves head for cancer charity

A Melksham woman has raised nearly £2,000 for a cancer charity by shaving her head.

Maureen Woodruff, 84, completed a ‘Brave the Shave’ at Queensway Chapel last month to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

She said, “So many people I know have used the charity and it costs money for them to care for people who are very ill and survivors as well, but sadly some just don’t survive because it is a horrible disease.

“I have had a few friends who have had cancer. They need a nurse, they need support, which is why I have done it. It was a lovely morning at Queensway Chapel with family, friends and members of the congregation.”

Pleased with the outcome of the shave, Maureen added, “I don’t mind it at all. My head feels much colder now, but it is quite easy-going, definitely wash-and-go.”

The shave was not Maureen’s first fundraising challenge. Several years ago, she dyed her hair pink and purple to raise money for an orphanage in Romania, which she visited with a group from Queensway Chapel.

She said, “It was a really lovely colour. I think I raised around £600. All my fundraising events have been to do with my head and hair. I don’t have the energy now to go up a mountain or run a race; I couldn’t do that at 84. Even years ago, I wasn’t very athletic. To do something with my hair was easy.”

Maureen’s family said, “We are so proud of our amazing Maureen, who in her 80s has taken on the incredible challenge of Brave the Shave to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. What a truly remarkable lady – nothing fazes her. Her courage, kindness and determination to help others make her an inspiration to us all.

“Maureen has raised an incredible amount to support this wonderful charity and to spread awareness for such an important cause. We couldn’t be prouder.”

To contribute to Maureen’s fundraiser, visit https://shorturl.at/dL1fh