Lorraine Kenny to shave head for cancer charity

Lorraine Kenny

Lorraine Kenny is set to have her hair shaved off in front of a rugby crowd to raise money for a cancer charity.

Lorraine, from Heywood, hopes to raise £5,000 by losing her 14-inch locks during a Salford Red Devils game.

Friends, family and colleagues will turn out to support the mum-of-three, who won an accolade in 2003's Pride in Oldham Awards for her work in community safety.

The hardworking mum is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Research, which supported her mum through cervical cancer.

On top of her efforts as part of Macmillan's national Brave the Shave 2016 campaign, Lorraine will donate her hair to a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children who have lost their own through cancer treatment.

The community safety manager at Oldham Council said: "I want to give something back to Macmillan because the support my mum received was invaluable.

"I am doing what I can to say thank you because they have helped so many."

Mum Sally Barlow (69) was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October 2013 and treated at Salford Royal Hospital and the Christie Hospital. Lorraine said: "She had a hysterectomy, with the cancer diagnosis coming shortly after.

"She also went through radiotherapy, which made her critically ill.

"At the moment she is in remission. Once we knew mum was going to get through in the long term, I dedicated myself to the cause.

"I must be mad but at the end of the day it is for a good cause and I am determined to do this.

"All of the family have been right behind me."

An audience of around 3,000 is expected to witness the head shave at half-time in the AJ Bell Stadium next month.

Salford-born Devils supporter Lorraine said: "I am a devoted Devils fan and my mum is now a season ticket-holder too.

"The Salford Red Devils Foundation have been brilliant and are arranging for one of the players to shave my hair.

"I would love to have it done at a high-profile game.

"I am hoping that friends and family will be there and I know that some colleagues are looking to buy tickets for the day. But I would encourage everyone to come."

To donate, visit:

www.bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/lorraine-kenny