A BANGOR woman has ‘braved the shave’ to raise money for the cancer unit at the Ulster Hospital.
Joan Dunlop, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, has raised £11,000 for the Macmillan Cancer Unit after she and ten friends and family members had their heads shaved for the charity.
Joan, who is an international diver and represented Ireland and is a local children’s swim and dive boarding coach, said she is facing two years of treatment for breast cancer, which has spread to her lymph nodes and lung, after she discovered a lump in her right armpit in December.
The 51 year-old has spoken movingly of the support she received from family and friends, 10 of whom shaved their heads to offer their support to Joan as she began her treatment.
“A local barber volunteered to do the shaving and we all sat in a circle holding hands as they set about doing the work,” said Joan.
“Local musician Taylor Lally sang as well which was a very uplifting moment and soul singer Siobhan Brown dedicated her new song Overcomer to me on the day as well.
All those, including myself, who had long hair, donated it to The Little Princess Trust which is the cancer charity for children and young people who have lost their hair through treatment.”
Joan underwent a second course of chemotherapy last week at the Macmillan Unit in the Ulster Hospital.
“This was part of six treatments,” she explained. “I will then undergo a mastectomy a few months later before radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
“The doctors and nurses that have treated me right from the beginning have been absolutely brilliant, they have been amazing.
“By doing Brave The Shave, it is my way of giving back. I would like to thank all those who donated and helped to raise such a fantastic amount for the Macmillan Cancer Unit.”
Macmillan Cancer Unit Ward Sister Angela Berry said this is an ‘incredible donation’ which will significantly help patients have the most comfortable journey and that ‘is of the utmost importance’.
“I would like to thank Joan and to everyone who took part in Brave the Shave which not only raised vital funds for the unit, but also serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of those facing cancer,” she said.
