Taking on my second sponsored head shave – at age 74!
Ro, aged 74, completed a sponsored head shave and fundraised for Asthma + Lung UK. She told us why she chose this challenge and the difference it has made for her.
My experience of my lung condition
Having been hospitalised twice in two months at the end of 2020, I was diagnosed with, among other things, significant blood clots in both of my lungs. This has affected both my breathing and my overall health. Despite being treated, it has made a huge physical and mental change to my life.
So, after this, I was brave (or foolish!) enough to choose to shave my head for charity. This is the second time I’ve done this in under 20 years. The first time was in support of a dear friend who, through treatment for cancer, had lost her hair.
Choosing my challenge
My normally neat, short and ‘easy to manage’ hairstyle had undergone a dramatic change since the first Covid-19 lockdown. My new, rather ‘wild’ look during lockdown was shoulder-length grey hair. I usually tied it back in a ponytail because the long hairs were tickling my chin and neck and driving me mad!
For many years, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of fundraising for lots of different causes and for my church. I had missed having a project and with a lot of uncertainty still around, I chose to make my next fundraiser a solo challenge, with help from my family and friends. I returned to the tried and tested head shave challenge. To say a big thank you to all the lung experts who treated me, I chose to raise money for the Asthma + Lung UK (previously British Lung Foundation).
On the day
The day in October came around and it was time for my challenge. My daughter Ceri-Lou and my son Liam were both there to support me, along with other close family, friends, and the stylists from the salon – The Hair Works in Penarth.
After a good brush out of the hair, a couple of the long tresses were cut to keep as mementos before getting down to business with the clippers! Then after seemingly quite a short time, all that was left of my long locks was a pile of hair on the floor – almost enough to stuff a cushion!
Making a long-lasting difference
So far, I’ve raised over £1,800 and counting. I fear that one of the legacies of Covid-19 will be an increase in the number of people needing the services of the Asthma + Lung UK so I know that they will make every pound count in the research and development of new drugs and treatments.
I want to say a huge thank you, not only to my family who have wholeheartedly given their love and support throughout, but also to friends old and new – within Penarth Methodist Church, and without.
Inspired by Ro’s amazing story? Check out our fundraising ideas on our website or get in touch with us to choose your own challenge and make a difference today!
Other Your Stories posts you may like:
Other posts you may like
Our amazing supporter, Gerard, sadly lost his wife Margaret to bronchiectasis in October 2023. This year he took on a special challenge to remember her and raise awareness of this condition. Here he tells us all about the challenge and what it meant to him.