Cassie Mackenzie, a PhD student in the School of Biosciences, is bravely having her luscious locks of hair cut off in aid of the Little Princess Trust on 7 November. We asked Cassie what had inspired her to make such a bold move for the Little Princess Trust?
This year has been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, her Nana, (her idol), is celebrating her first year cancer-free. It’s the best Christmas present I could ask for! However, having lost one friend to cancer, she has received devastating news that another very close friend is losing their battle. It’s such a brutal disease that leaves you feeling utterly helpless. I’ve always been keen on fundraising for charities, but since my Nana’s diagnosis I have been particularly enthusiastic to support the cause. A person’s hair is such a huge part of their identity. It’s my choice to do this, knowing my hair WILL grow back. I can only imagine how devastating it must be to have no control over the matter. Someone described it very well to me earlier – “a person’s hair is their crown”.
So how are you feeling about having your hair cut on Saturday?
Every time I think of backing out I just remind myself, if I hate the idea this much, imagine how absolutely heart breaking it is for someone who loses their hair to cancer or another illness. At the end of the day, for me, it’s just hair. Hair that will grow back! For someone else, it is the confidence to live their life with a bit more normality.
Have you made any plans for further fundraising events for the charity?
I am a keen runner and I’m participating in Judgement Day Goes Nuts in December, which is a 6K obstacle course. I also plan on doing lots of runs next year, from half to full marathons, and of course, Race for Life. It’ll be a fairly long while before I can donate hair again!
And finally, what would it mean to you to reach your target fundraising goal?
Honestly, the initial goal of this was to just donate my hair to a good cause, but I have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity and support of everyone around me.
If you want to sponsor Cassie and her brave hair donation to the Little Princess Trust, visit her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/Cassie-Mackenzie2/