Fulwood mum braves the shave for Rosemere

Joel and Donna, with her new haircut Pic: Si Miller

A Fulwood mum has shown extra bravery to ‘brave the shave’ for charity – by letting her seven-year-old son take charge of the clippers.

Donna Carey and son Joel streamed the head shave live on Facebook on Saturday (6 June) to raise funds for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

Just seven weeks ago, Donna, a teaching assistant at Acorns Primary School, discovered a lump in her breast. A week later, she underwent a mastectomy, and on Monday (8 June), she had her first of six sessions of chemotherapy. Once the 16-week course is completed, Donna will start radiotherapy treatment.

Donna said: “I was just folding my arms when I found a lump. We were already in lockdown but I saw a doctor and was referred for tests. My diagnosis came as a huge shock. I have had to go to all my appointments on my own, which has been tough, but I realise I have been very lucky to have had the treatment I have had so quickly.

“It’s just me and Joel so I have had to tell him that I am going to have some medicine that will make me lose my hair. But I don’t want the cancer controlling me. I shaved my hair off before it falls out to raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation. When I told Joel he could make a start with the clippers. he was very excited about it, which is good because I have tried to play things down for him.”

Joel shaving his mum's head Pic: Si Miller — Donna said: “I don’t want the cancer controlling me” Pic: Si Miller

So far, Donna’s family and friends have donated almost £2,500 via her JustGiving page.

Donna said: “I am very grateful to everyone who has donated. My original brave the shave target was to raise £475 so I have already surpassed this. Friends have shared my page and so I have had donations from people I have never met, which I have found very moving.”

What do you think of Donna and Joel’s fundraising? Let us know in the comments.