Social Work Degree Apprenticeship student Claire is Braving the Shave for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Claire lost her Dad to mantle cell non-hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014. Although Macmillan did not have a chance to offer personal support to him, as the cancer progressed too quickly, Claire is very keen to fundraise and support the charity – so others can have access to support they offer.

“Macmillan are an integral support for those with cancer.” She says.

Claire’s Dad was placed in a fantastic hospice called Loros, which she has done most of her fundraising for, however, this time she decided she wanted to do something different. She decided to Brave the Shave.

The fundraising activity involves the participant shaving all their hair off in return for donations from supporters. Thousands of people are being sponsored across the country to shave their hair for Macmillan Cancer Support, which has already raised over £22.7 million through the activity.

“I had been thinking about doing this for ages,” Claire says. “It’s a brilliant way to do some fundraising and I am now going to embrace my grey hairs.”

“I feel more people are likely to donate to something as it is a bit different.”

The shave is due to take place on the 30 August 2019, where she will be sharing the results on her fundraising page, linked below.

“To begin with, I was really scared. I am now quite excited, I can’t wait to not have to dry and straighten my hair after a shower.”

Although many people have commented her on her bravery, she has a different outlook on taking part in the activity.

 “I see it that I have a choice and those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy don’t have that choice. When my Dad has chemo it was the first I had ever seen him without a mustache.”

Claire hoped to raise £500, which she has almost reached on her giving page. On her paper sponsor form, she has already raised £600. She will also be fundraising on the night of the shave with a raffle, and a guess the name of the teddy, donated by her nieces.

To make a donation or find out more about her story, please visit Claire’s Giving page on: https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/claire-wiltshire

Good luck to Claire, from all the team at Centre for Lifelong Learning!