A close shave for great cause
The daughter of a cancer patient at Heartlands who sacrificed her flowing locks to show her support for her mum and raise money for the unit where she is being treated has reached her fundraising target.
Avery Maycroft decided to have her hair shaved off in solidarity with her mum Debbie who has been treated on Ward 19 at Heartlands for almost 20 years for the condition myelofibrosis; a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and causes scar tissue to build up and affect the production of blood cells.
She underwent a splenectomy and also had chemotherapy in preparation for a stem cell transplant which she has recently undergone, thanks to a donor from the United States who was found thanks to the work of blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.
As Debbie readied herself for the chemotherapy she began cutting her hair shorter and shorter to prepare the expected hair loss and so Avery decided to do the same to show her support.
Avery said: “It was something I vowed to do to support my mum. However, I also wanted to raise funds for the incredible team on Ward 19, as well as raise awareness of the work of Anthony Nolan and encourage people to join the donor register.
“I set a £500 target but we have now surpassed that which I am delighted about and I have to thank all the generous people for their support.”
You can still donate to the cause at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mummy-Maycroft
To find out more about donating stem cells, please visit the Anthony Nolan website:
https://www.anthonynolan.org/8-ways-you-could-save-life/donate-your-stem-cells/why-should-i-join-register
If you’d like more information about how QEHB Charity supports patients, please go to www.qehb.org or call 0121 371 4852.