South Shields gran braves the shave to boost cancer charity funds

Since the age of nine, Diane Davenport has always struggled visiting hairdressers and undergoing the chop.

But following the death of her partner John Mulvay, 47, within weeks of being diagnosed with cancer, the 54-year-old decided to face her fears and have her head shaved for charity.

In preparation, the grandmother from Whiteleas Way, South Shields, had half her long hair chopped to her waist.

She then underwent the shave during a family get-together at Harton and Westoe Miners Welfare in Low Lane, South Shields, raising £250 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Miss Davenport, said: “I have lost my mam and uncle to cancer, and then five years ago, my partner died.

“At first he thought he had heartburn, but it turned out it was cancer and two weeks after being diagnosed he died. Ever since then I said I wanted to do something for charity.

“Things kept popping up on Facebook about shaving your hair off for Macmillan so I decided to do that.

“My hair was down my back. I had half of it cut off leaving it just past my shoulders. Now it’s 2mm long.

“I was alright up until the day, that’s when the doubts started to creep in as to whether I was doing the right thing. I just kept thinking this is absolutely ludicrous.

“I’ve always had a fear of having my hair cut ever since I was nine so having all my hair cut off was quite a big deal.”

Diane allowed her grandchildren to each cut a part of her hair before it was shaved completely for charity.

She added: “It was a really good day and I’ve raised money for a really good cause which I am really pleased about.

“I am starting to get used to it now, and a lot of people have said I suit it. I just think embrace it as what else can I do?”

For more information on the Brave The Shave charity fundraiser visit bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk