A mum whose three-year-old son died after contracting a brain tumour has had her head shaved to fund cancer treatment for others.
Helen Slater, of Brayes Manor in Stotfold, raised more than £1,200 when she completed the Macmillan Brave the Shave challenge in front of staff, pupils and other supporters at
St Mary’s C of E Academy, where she works as a teaching assistant.
She took on the challenge in memory of many, but especially her son Jamie – who died of hydrocephalus nine years ago – and her father-in-law Tony Slater, who also died of cancer in 2013.
“I just couldn’t stop the tears rolling down,” said Helen, 46.
“It was just very emotional. It was surreal, almost – I didn’t know where to look. I was half laughing, half crying. I can’t quite describe it. It was amazing, phenomenal.
“Everyone knows somebody who’s had cancer and needed some support, so I decided to go ahead. I thought it would be a really good way of helping them cope.
“It’s definitely a first-time thing for me – I’ve done the odd coffee morning, but that was all much more low-key than this!”
Helen’s friend Joanne Wilson set up a live video stream of the shave online so supporters further afield could cheer Helen on from home.
Joanne said: “This was such an emotional day. My son was friends with Helen’s little boy, a ray of sunshine. She is an inspiration.”
Helen has smashed the initital £400 target on her Brave the Shave fundraising page with more than £700 so far, with the total brought up to more than £1,200 by the proceeds of a bake sale.
St Mary’s Academy head Sam Bishop said it had been a great experience for the pupils.
“We are all very proud of Helen,” she told the Comet.
“The assembly was a brilliant opportunity for the children to be involved and to see first-hand how we can help others.
“The whole school community have been very supportive and we are thrilled with how much money Helen has raised for this worthwhile cause.”
If you’d like to help Helen’s cause, go to bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/helen-slater.
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