Helen Wonford, an underwriter at Accord Mortgages, has shaved off her hair in memory of her father-in-law to raise money for Marie Curie.
Her fundraising is in support of Yorkshire Building Society’s Hour of Need campaign which will enable Marie Curie Nurses to provide more vital support for people living with a terminal illness and their families across the UK.
Wonford said: “In October last year my father-in-law Randal was diagnosed with lung cancer. At the time what Randal feared most was losing his hair due the treatment. He was delivered life changing news and was scared of how society would perceive him. I made my mind up at that point, as a show of solidarity to shave my head.
“Sadly, Randal’s condition deteriorated much quicker than anyone originally thought it would and he lost his battle with cancer on the 27th of February 2016. I never got to tell Randal about my plan as I’d wanted it to be a surprise but his journey only strengthened my resolve to go through with it.
“This is the second time cancer has affected my family and the second time charities have stepped forward to help and support our needs during such a critical time; first with my Nana and more recently with Randal.
“I’m raising money for Marie Curie this month in hope that they will always be there as a pillar of support to everyone who is in need, so the loved ones of those with cancer never have to go through this alone.”
Every £20 raised will fund one hour of care and the Group is aiming to raise £1 million by December 2016, which equates to funding two hours of care by a Marie Curie Nurse for every hour of the campaign.
Katie Grinter, Marie Curie community fundraiser for Bradford, said: “We were sorry to hear about Helen’s family loss and it is a really touching tribute that she will be undertaking this challenge in memory of Randal.
“The money she raises will make a real difference and help Marie Curie Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones at a time when they need us the most.”
To sponsor Helen please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Helen-wonford