Spalding woman prepares to ‘brave the shave’ in honour of step mum – who lost her battle to cancer last year
A ‘devastated’ step daughter will be shaving her hair off for charity in a bid to raise awareness for other families and spread positivity.
Joanne Mason, 51, of Spalding, will be taking part in the Macmillan Cancer ‘Brave The Shave’ fundraiser next month, after losing her step mum, Cheryl Mayor, to cancer in October last year.
At a regular check-up at the dentist, Cheryl — who was aged 76 when she died — was told something didn’t look right.
Step daughter Joanne, who refers to Cheryl as her mum, said: “She was a fit and healthy lady. It was only when she went to the dentist for a check-up that they told her something wasn’t right – we later found out she had throat and face cancer.
“Mum fought so hard but it got to the point where she couldn’t fight anymore. She had three or four operations and the surgeons did everything they could.
“I’m devastated that I’ve lost my mum but she is in a far better place now – she is no longer in pain and I just wanted to do something positive because the people who looked after her were amazing.”
Joanne is hoping to raise £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer and raise awareness for other families who might be going through a similar experience.
The NHS website reports that one in two people will develop a form of cancer during their lifetime. Some of the most common types include breast, lung, prostate and bowel cancer.
As part of her self identity, Joanne often changes the colour of her hair and explained why it would be a big change for her to shave it all off. She added: “My hair is my statement, it’s what defines me. I’m always dying it a different colour. By shaving it off I will be doing my bit for mum and I want to be as brave as her.
“Everyone is affected by cancer, some people beat it and others unfortunately don’t. Cancer doesn’t always show you signs and you just never know how much time you have left.
“I want to make people aware of their bodies and hopefully with the money we raise, it will go towards research to help someone else, as there is always going to be a family which suffers a loss from cancer.
“When I told my children about what I was going to do, they all said that nana would be so proud and that I will look fabulous – if my wife and kids think I’m amazing that’s all I need.
“My mum wouldn’t want me to be miserable so I want to do something positive. If everyone can do their bit and share some kindness, it will make the world a better place.”
Joanne will be shaving her hair surrounded by family, friends and work colleagues on Monday, February 3 at Holbeach Meadows Care Home from 11am. If you would like to donate, click here.
If you need emotional, financial or physical support call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
