Why I'm Going to Brave the Shave for Macmillan

Have you heard of the Brave the Shave campaign for Macmillan? During the month of August, the charity are encouraging people to sign up to 'Brave the Shave', and shave off their hair to raise money to support people living with cancer.

Everyone will be touched by cancer at some point in their lives. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will develop cancer, which is pretty terrifying really. The work that Macmillan do is absolutely invaluable. They can provide vital information and advice to patients and their families, help with financial issues, and provide the support needed to help people during a tough time in their lives.

Sadly, two years ago my husband Neil lost him mum to cancer. It was a really tough time for the family. It was the first time I had witnessed how truly devastating the disease can be. Watching his mum get sick was awful, and I pray each day that we don't have to experience anything like it again.

When his mum was diagnosed, Macmillan were a fantastic support, and I honestly don't think he would have coped as well without that. Their website was our first port of call when he wanted information about the type of cancer she had been diagnosed with. While he tried to stay strong for his mum, inside he was crumbling, and it was hard for me to see him struggling, I felt helpless. The macmillan helpline was another fantastic resource for us, Neil often phoned to ask for advice on helping his mum and it also gave him a place to talk to someone who understood.

Since the passing of Neil's mum, I have been keen to do some fundraising for cancer charities. I have thought about running a race still not at the right fitness level for that, and I couldn't think of anything else I could do to raise money... Until I heard about the Brave the Shave campaign.

I've always been a bit vain when it comes to my hair. I've always felt that my hair is a big part of my identity, using it as a way to express myself in a way, with lots of crazy colours and styles over the years. The idea of not having any hair to hide behind terrifies me!

Brave The Shave


So... I've decided to be bold, and shave the lot off.

I've signed up, and on the 27th of August at 7pm I will take the clippers to my head & live broadcast it on periscope (so please follow me on there so you can watch! I'm @blogmummylauren)

I've decided to do this for a number of reasons. Mainly, I am doing this in memory of my mother in law. I'm also doing it because I recognise the fantastic work Macmillan do, and because their advice and information was invaluable to my husband and I really want to give something back.

People keep telling me I am brave for doing this. I don't feel brave! I can't begin to imagine how it must feel to be given a cancer diagnosis. For a lot of patients, losing their hair is a big deal, and they have to deal with that on top of everything else they are going through. I guess I just feel lucky that I have a choice! I hope that doesn't sound patronising because I really don't mean it to be, I just mean that I am choosing to shave my hair off, but a lot of people won't get that choice. 

Anyway, if you would like to support me and make a donation, or track my fundraising progress, you can do so here, or by clicking the banner below. I would also really appreciate some shares on social media, if you would like to spread the word. 

Brave The Shave

Find out more about the campaign at bravetheshave.org.uk

Linking with PoCoLo

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10 comments:

  1. Wow well done Lauren that is really brave of you to do that. I will be sponsoring you as I think what you are doing is amazing xx

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  2. You are bloody ace. Macmillan were absolutely wonderful to my Mom & us after she passed away so they're my number 1 charity. I hope you get loads of sponsors darl xxxx

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  3. Not only is this a lovely gesture but my experience of shaving my hair was that I learned so much about my perception of beauty and my self confidence. Will investigate Periscope!

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    1. You look amazing with short hair, I only hope I have the confidence you do when I shave mine!

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  4. Woweeee! That's so brave of you Lauren! Go girl! Such a great cause too! Good luck #PoCoLo x

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  5. Amazing thing to do Lauren. Good for you! Cancer is something which sadly touches many of those close to us and it's charities like Macmillan which do so much to help patients and families. Good luck!! #pocolo

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  6. Wow, that's a huge gesture, I hope you get a huge fundraising total to match! I cut my hair for charity, but I don't think I could take the step you are. Good luck!

    #pocolo

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  7. This is so amazing, what a great gesture and sign of solidarity. You're amazing!! #PoCoLo

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