Clare inspires head shave challenge

Family, friends and colleagues of an Exeter woman with a rare form of cancer have raised more than £5,000 for our charity by having their heads shaved.

Mum-of-three Clare Simpson was on holiday in Egypt with her mum and daughter when she found a lump.

The 41-year-old was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in September and in now on eight months of chemotherapy before surgery.

“It was a massive shock,” admits Clare, who works as an assistant practitioner on Belvedere Ward at Franklyn Hospital in St Thomas. “But I try to be positive.”

She set up a support group for her workmates to help them deal with the impact of her diagnosis and when she found out that she would lose her hair, they rallied behind her as she decided to take control of the situation.

Volunteers

“Someone told me the worse thing was your hair falling out and I knew my son was really worried about it so I decided to have it shaved off,” said Clare.

When she announced it, there was no shortage of volunteers to join her.

Husband Luke, 10-year-old son Henry, brother-in-law Mark Simpson, father-in-law Rob Simpson and his best friend Martin Aggett and work colleagues Sonia Brown and Dom Pastow all decided to brave the shave too.

Good friend Sonia launched a campaign to raise money for FORCE Cancer Charity, Clare’s choice after the support she received from us.

“We wanted Clare to know that she was not on her own,” said Sonia. “She has been amazing, really positive and awe-inspiring. This has been a massive challenge for her and she has made it look like a walk in the park. And she’s been a really big support to everyone else.”

With Gift Aid, the fundraising total has soared to £5,578 with huge backing from hospital staff, friends and family. The original target was £500 but that was smashed within hours and the total had reached £3,500 before shave day.

Phenomenal

Henry had his head shaved a couple of days before the rest but was there on the day with sisters Jamie (21) and Lily (17) to support everyone as Claire Aggett expertly relieved them of their locks.

“She did a fab job. My daughters watched and helped shave my head to begin! But they weren’t keen on participating!” said Clare. “The support has been phenomenal. I never expected it to raise so much.”

She chose FORCE, which offers free support and advice to local people affected by a cancer diagnosis.

She describes our Support and Information Centre in the grounds of the RD&E as a sanctuary away from the clinical setting of the hospital and has had complementary therapy, exercise guidance and a Look Good Feel Better session.

Among the services FORCE also provides are counselling, one-to-one and group support, benefits advice, relaxation and mindfulness sessions and expertise on coping with hair loss.

“We are so lucky to have FORCE. It is an amazing charity,” said Clare.