h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This year is the 10th anniversary of my Dad's stomach cancer diagnosis. I've been inspired to raise funds for the Macmillan nurses, who helped my parents at the time. This isn't a request for sponsorship (though you can if you wish) I'm really just after moral support! The photo on my profile page was taken at my 60th birthday surprise party. Not all my friends made it this far, I am lucky and blessed. My head shave is due on 23 August. http://bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/ann-croft/

GB

Wow, that's incredibly brave of you. Wish I had the nerve. Good luck.

Deb

That is an excellent cause.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure about the method for raising the money... Is it problematic from a point of view of having a choice versus not having a choice..? Or it maybe makes it more normal so that people who don't have a choice blend in with the people who do have a choice (which also may or may not be a good thing)? I'm in a bit of conflict because my mum has never had hair as lovely as yours, and now she has lost much of what she used to have because of some sort of alopecia, so she would pay to keep hers...

What is to happen to the hair afterwards?

Thank you for your donation Deb, Bless you!

Sasha, I can't go on sponsored walks/runs due to my painful knees. I struggle with my mother's staircase...
My older daughter walked across hot coals to fundraise, my other daughter bungee-jumped!My older son ran the London Marathon this year

Shaving my head is just my way of doing something good which I can cope with, I hadn't thought any more of that. I didn't do the ice-bucket challenge last year but did enjoy seeing what the brave souls who did, got up to. Having seen my daughter go through a bout of alopecia and the distress it caused her, I have chosen her to perform the deed. She's already agreed and is going to sponsor me as well. I honestly hadn't thought about doing anything with my hair afterwards.

I think you can donate your hair for wig making. There may even be a section on it on the McMillan site, actually. Hang on

Yep, it's in the FAQ section. You can donate to Little Princess Trust who provide real hair wigs for kids who've lost their hair through cancer treatment. Double doing-good

I did the ice bucket challenge, it was kind of fun actually. I couldn't do this though so big kudos to you.

Deb

I'm glad your daughter is ok with it. I'd rather pay for you not to do it, so I have donated on your behalf separately, as it is a very good cause.

That could be a new fundraising idea - a competition to do or not do a thing, and people can donate for the option they prefer and the majority vote wins the decision plus the charity gets the money

Thank you very much Sasha
I told Ian what you had done and he's now donated - he was against the idea - he's sponsored me £20 not to do it so that's my first offline donationplus £90 on the website. One week to go

GB

I think most local hospitals have a hair donation thing too, for making wigs (I know Addinbrookes here does, associated with a charity affiliated with the hospital and th eoncology department) HOpe it grows back as expected! - still awaiting supprise to see what my hairs gona be like soon!

2 legs

4 days to go - £253 on the website, £175 sponsored and £50 pledged yesterday, I'm almost halfway to my target

It's shave day. Nervous, moi?

Now at £610 - and awaiting my daughter's arrival for shave time.

Good luck with doing it. I'll reiterate, you're very brave.

Just remember it'll grow back

Deb

Thanks Deb

It's all over bar the tin-rattling. £660 and counting!

There are Before and After pics on the Macmillan webpage so don't click if you don't want to see: http://bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/ann-croft/?success=1&campaign=311668

I didn't think I'd like to see you without your hair, but you look great!

Such a great cause and very brave of all those who have raised money xxxx

I have to agree with Gnomon, that's a good look on you!

Deb

ooo... and a rather decent amount raised too! - kinda wish I was shaved head, given the heat the last few days

Thanks all. The event was videoed in two parts, if you'd like to watch they're on YouTube:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DREXEcBgXjU
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8azMLSN0sbE