A Close Shave for Emmaus
Residents and staff from homelessness charity Emmaus Hastings & Rother have shaved their heads in a powerful show of support for a much-loved counsellor who has helped many people in the community and is currently undergoing cancer treatment. The group also took on the fundraising challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Five volunteers took part in the head shave at the Emmaus superstore in St Leonards, with residents and colleagues cheering each other on. The head shaves were kindly carried out free of charge by local hairdresser Sue, from Hair and Beyond, who wanted to donate her skills and time to the cause.
Zoe, the former counsellor whose cancer diagnosis motivated many of the group to take part, came along to support and watch the head shaves take place in person.
Some of the residents who took part have experienced homelessness and wanted to give something back to others facing difficulties. Cancer is a cause close to their hearts, and the group felt strongly about supporting those affected by it.
Janine Woodland, Support Lead at Emmaus Hastings & Rother and one of the brave participants, says: “One of the most important aspects of the Emmaus ethos is solidarity – standing alongside people who are vulnerable or facing difficult circumstances. Through solidarity projects, we work with charities, causes and community initiatives to help make a positive difference to people’s lives.
“Zoe was a counsellor to our residents here at Emmaus Hastings & Rother. She’s recently been diagnosed with cancer and said she didn’t mind what they did to her; she just didn’t want to lose her hair. We wanted to raise money in acknowledgement of what she, and so many others, face every day.”
The group set out to raise £250 and has already smashed this target, raising over three times their goal. They are now hoping to reach £1,000 in donations.
Supporters can still donate via the group’s Macmillan fundraising page at bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/62eb638a-3e84-45fa-889c-dc95e601446a
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