A LAUNCESTON councillor has shaved her head for Macmillan Cancer Support after breaking her £1,000 fundraising target.

Macmillan encouraged people to ‘Brave the Shave’ throughout August to help fund their work with cancer patients and show solidarity with those who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy.

Jade Farrington, Cornwall Councillor for Launceston South, said she would take part if £1,000 was donated to the charity. She chose August 17 to take part because it marked 20 years since she had her left femur replaced by a metal prosthesis due to childhood bone cancer.

She said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated. The response has been absolutely fantastic and the total currently stands at £1,325. Special thanks to Jessica Murrain of Craig Chapman Hair Design who kindly volunteered to do the cut.”

Jessica carefully plaited Jade’s hair so that each plait could be cut off intact and sent to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer. Jade cut off the first plait, followed by family and friends.

Jade said: “It’s been very funny seeing the reactions of some people who haven’t recognised me at first, followed by the realisation on their faces. More donations have been coming in since the shave and I hope this will encourage a few more to give what they can to a very worthwhile charity.”

You can add your donation to Macmillan at www.bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/jade-farrington

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.