Lairg teenager braves the shave for family
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When two close relatives were diagnosed with cancer, Lairg teenager Abby Ross felt compelled to join in the fight against the illness.
The 16-year-old was devastated to hear that her grandmother Margaret Sutherland (67), Gruids, had been diagnosed with a rare and particularly aggressive type of skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma. And just a few months later another relative also learned she had cancer.
Abby’s mum Karen Ross, a nurse, said: “In just a short time, two family members were going through cancer treatment. Abby said she wanted to do something.”
The Golspie High School pupil signed up for Macmillan Cancer Support’s fundraising Brave The Shave, where participants are sponsored to have their hair cut off.
It was a real sacrifice for Abby, whose beautiful thick, ginger locks were much admired and fell mid-way down her back (see image right).
A large gathering of friends and family were there to support her last Friday as local stylist Michelle Mackay took out her shears.
Mum Karen said: “Abby was nervous but excited at the same time.”
The teenager has already raised more than £1800 with money still coming in. A sponsorship box is in the Spar shop at Lairg and there are also sponsorship forms circulating. Abby also has a fundraising account with Macmillan https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/abby-ross/
“The community has been really supportive and the amount Abby has raised is amazing,” said Ms Ross.
And Abby’s gorgeous locks will not go to waste as she has opted to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs to children and young adults who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment and other illnesses.”
The family are thankful that granny Margaret is recovering well following “absolutely fantastic” treatment at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. She has surprised medics by her progress. And hopes are high that the second family member affected will also respond well to treatment.
More pictures in this week's Northern Times.
