News / Shona & Alison brave the shave for Macmillan
AROUND £5,000 is thought to have been raised for Macmillan Cancer Support after two local women shaved their hair off at the weekend.
Shona Anderson and Alison Williamson had their locks shorn off at Ninian on Lerwick’s Commercial Street on Saturday as part of Macmillan’s Brave the Shave campaign.
The inspiration for the shave came after Shona’s friend and boss Joanna, who owns Ninian and Joanna Hunter Knitwear, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
She started treatment in January and Shona was keen to do whatever should could to help.
Alison, who is Joanna’s cousin, said the pair wanted to shave off their hair in an act of solidarity with the shop owner.
“Brave the Shave is an event that usually takes place in August,” she said.
“But you can do it any time of year, and as Joanna has already lost her hair, we wanted to have no hair at the same time as her, so we could not hold off ‘til August.
“We also want people to be more aware that lots of young women are diagnosed with breast cancer.”
“The head shave itself was a night with family and friends and we have had such an amazing response to what we were doing, and now done, with money still coming in,” Shona added.
“I did stand outside last Thursday and let my hair blow in the wind for one last time.”
On hairdressing duties were Kate Anderson and Carly Cumming, while Babs Clubb gave the pair a makeover.
Shona and Alison said while they are “very lucky to have lots of hats” at hand, they are still getting used to the elements up top after a lifetime of hair.
“It was very cold on Saturday night,” Shona said. “I had to sleep with my hat on, but with the weather being warmer it’s not been so bad.”
To give money to the cause, visit the donations pages for Shona and Alison. There are also collection boxes at Ninian and Halcrow’s shop in Burra.
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