The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A big-hearted Holbeach woman has raised more than £1,000 by shaving her hair off ahead of chemotherapy treatment for a second cancer diagnosis.
Vivienne Marler battled endometrial cancer in May 2019 when her six rounds of chemotherapy following major surgery saw her lose her hair. It grew back within a few weeks but the former hairdresser and her family were shocked when she was told she had lung cancer a couple of months ago.
Determined not to watch her hair fall out again, she took the brave decision to have her head shaved before treatment and raise money for Thorpe Hall Hospice run by the Sue Ryder charity.
“My mum’s friend Anne, who she had been friends with for more than 40 years, was diagnosed with cancer just before my mum. Unfortunately Anne lost her battle on Christmas Day last year and her last few days were spent at Thorpe Hall where she was lovingly cared for,” said Vivienne’s daughter Charlotte.
Anne Halstead, also of Holbeach, died at the age of 66 and was the former owner of Joan shop in the town.
“The past few months have been really hard for charities like Thorpe Hall and we wanted to raise money for them to help,” added Charlotte.
But her 68-year-old mum came up with the idea of having her head shaved – and originally aimed to raise £100 for the charity.
“Mum’s hair had just grown back more lovely and beautiful than before losing it during chemo last year. She made the brave, but hard decision, to have it all shaved off. We were delighted to raise the money – it’s been amazing that we have had such good support and we are hoping we can maybe add a little more,” said Charlotte.
Her mum is heading into her third cycle of treatment which is being carried out at Grantham Hospital as it has been kept COVID0-19 free. Her final round of chemotherapy should be towards the end of February.
“It has been really hard for all of us and this is for Anne and her family as well,” said Charlotte.
Anne’s daughter Emma Walker said Vivienne was ‘inspirational’ for agreeing to have her head shaved to help Thorpe Hall.
“I shaved my mum’s head when she was losing her hair – it was gut-wrenching,” she said.
“Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult time of their lives.
“Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one, or a neurological condition, they are there when it matters.”
