A teenager has had a buzz cut to support a charity that helped her when she was diagnosed with a rare type of kidney cancer as a child.
Lauren Shilcock, 16, was diagnosed with a Wilms’ Tumour in 2002.
10 years after being given the all-clear she wanted to do something dramatic to say thank you for the support she received from CLIC Sargent, UK cancer charity for children, young people and their families.
The 16-year-old, of Northolt, decided to join the charity’s Big Buzz Campaign, which encourages people to shave their heads to support youngsters with cancer who may lose their hair during treatment.
Lauren became a ‘life-shaver’ in front of her school The Ellen Wilkinson School For Girls in Queens Drive, Acton, and by braving the head shave she has raised £4,000 for CLIC Sargent so far.
Lauren said: “I felt nervously excited about the head shave but children being treated for cancer don’t have a choice about losing their hair. I know the money I’ve raised is going to a fantastic cause and that is what inspired me to go through with it.
“It was all worth it as I’ve raised £4,000 for CLIC Sargent and the money is still coming in. I was keen to support the charity because they supported me and my family when I was diagnosed with a Wilms’ Tumour in 2002.
“I feel now is the time, just over 10 years on after being declared cancer free, that I am able to do something so big and dramatic to say thank you.”
Anna Penwarden, The Big Buzz event manager, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Lauren for becoming a ‘life-shaver’ for CLIC Sargent. I think the finished result looks amazing.
“Every day ten children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer.
“At the moment we can only help two out of three children and young people diagnosed with cancer. We want to reach as many as possible and with your support we can do this.”
Hairstation & Beautique in Queens Drive, Ealing, went into Lauren’s school to shave her head on October 21.
There is still time to sponsor Lauren, see: www.justgiving.com/LaurensBigBuzz.
For more information about CLIC Sargent’s Big Buzz Campaign visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/bigbuzz.
