Paignton duo brave the shave to raise £400 for Cancer Lifeline South West.

Philip and Ross from Paignton in Devon have braved the shave to raise £400 for Cancer Lifeline South West in support of their close family member receiving cancer treatment in Spain.

Ross’s sister Marisa was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and has recently started her chemotherapy treatment. Marisa’s uncle, Philip, explained:

“Unfortunately, like many others before, she experienced hair loss and it was falling out in clumps. So Marisa bravely decided to have her head shaved and remove the rest of her hair and is now wearing a headscarf when she goes out. Even having her head shaved, she still looks just as beautiful”

The family, unable to visit Marisa in Spain, wanted to show their support and that they were thinking of her everyday, and this is where the idea of shaving their heads came from.

On Monday 13th June, Ben Hilton of The Barber Shop, Foxhole in Paignton, opened up especially for Philip and Ross and gave his services for free to help them brave the shave. Philip takes up the story once more:

“Reason why we chose your charity was that my sister Tracey (Marisa’s mother) was diagnosed with cancer back in 2016. It was your charity that sent my sister Tracey to a lovely retreat for 3 days to Sharpham house.

Tracey remembers 6 years later what a remarkable place to spend some time for meditation and quiet contemplation. Completely immersed in the natural beauty of the Dart. Tracey will always be grateful to your charity and the wonderful work you do supporting the local community, as do all of us”

Cancer Lifeline South West would like to give a huge thank you to Philip, Ross and everyone involved in this fundraising event. The £400 fundraising donation is incredible and will help fund future retreats for local cancer patients. We wish Marisia all the very best with her treatment.