Chichester head shave

Friends and family of Arron Grantham from Tangmere, Chichester, have gone to great lengths to raise almost £600 for CLIC Sargent – a cause close to the family’s heart. The 18-year-old and his family persuaded 27 locals to shave their heads to support him as he undergoes treatment for cancer. 

Arron was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in December 2007 after noticing a lump between his shoulder blades. He had surgery at Stanmore Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Watford to remove the tumour and has battled through radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital. As a result of the cancer treatment Arron lost his hair and some of his friends and family wanted to show their support by getting sponsored to shave their heads.

“We didn’t want Arron to feel down and upset about losing his hair so decided to turn it into something fun by encouraging his mates to do the same,” says Mum Alison. “We were delighted when 27 people joined in the head shave. The lads in the photograph along with Arron’s Dad and step-dad, and Arron’s friend Morgan Knight (not in photo) shaved theirs for sponsor money.  

“Throughout Arron’s treatment we have been supported by CLIC Sargent’s Social Workers based at Southampton General Hospital who have been so helpful.  While he was having treatment at the hospital they offered us a free room at their nearby home, CLIC Haven, so we could stay close to the ward which saved more than an hour’s drive each way.”

The head shave took place at The Bader Arms pub in Tangmere and Arron’s family would like to thank owners Pat and Graham for their support. The event raised £1,200 in total which the family decided to split between CLIC Sargent and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Dan Powell, CLIC Sargent Community Fundraising Manager, collected the cheque from the youngster and his family.  He says, “It’s really inspiring to see the community pulling together and supporting his family through this traumatic time. Losing their hair is often tough for young people to come to terms with so it’s great to see Arron’s family and friends turning it into something fun and positive.

“We’re delighted the family decided to donate £600 to CLIC Sargent. This is enough to fund two families to stay at one of our Homes from Home, like CLIC Haven, for up to 10 days free of charge. For families who may have to travel long distances for their child’s treatment this service is much-needed.

“Thank you to Arron and everyone who took up the head shave challenge!” adds Dan. 

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

• For any media enquiries please contact Ruth Bowen in the CLIC Sargent press office on 0117 314 8617 or email: ruth.bowen@clicsargent.org.uk