WOKINGHAM Borough’s deputy mayor is going to have her head shaved in public.
The Liberal Democrat councillor for South Lake in Woodley will brave the shave for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Councillor Beth Rowland said: “Just recently, three people in my life have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer.
“The first is a young colleague who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“She is using Macmillan to support her and they have been marvellous.
“I also have two other colleagues that have been affected.
“Lots of people tell me that I’m really brave for doing this, but the brave people are the ones going through operations and chemotherapy.
“For me, it is a negligible loss and my hair will grow back.
“I’m very confident about doing this.”
At the weekend Cllr Rowland’s head will be shaved by a member of staff from Marc Antoni in Woodley, with the haircut taking place outside the salon, where it can be viewed.
“I’m hoping to use my position as the Deputy Mayor to help raise money for this brilliant cause,” says cllr Rowland.
“It’s not for my personal benefit, but for the benefit of others.
“Everybody I’ve contacted has been only too happy to help.”
“Marc Antoni has agreed to do this for free, and they’ve put it on their Facebook page to help with fundraising.”
Cllr Rowland set a target of £500 and wants to help as many people as possible through her fundraising efforts, having already raised £620.
She has received lots of support from her fellow councillors.
Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council and Liberal Democrat party, had breast cancer in 2008 and underwent surgery and various treatments in a process that lasted nine months.
He said: “It is incredibly brave what she is doing.
“I can remember 14 years ago when I had to go through radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
“There was a potential for me to lose my hair and I certainly didn’t want to do that.
“The Macmillan nurses do an exceptionally good job and every penny that she raises through this will be well spent and very much appreciated by the people who unfortunately have to use their services.”
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the Conservative group, is attending the charity head shave.
She said: “Many of us know someone who has been affected by cancer and it is great for us to be able to put aside our political differences and be able to help Beth support Macmillan and their vital work.”
Cllr Rowland has been a resident of South Lake for almost 50 years and a councillor for more than 25 years.
She is the deputy to Mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith.
In 2000 Cllr Rowland served as the Mayor of Woodley and is also a town councillor.
As well as being a governor at South Lake Primary School in Woodley, she held the same role at Highwood Primary until recently, and is also a trustee on the Waingels Trust.
Cllr Rowland’s head shaving will take place outside Marc Antoni’s hair salon in Woodley.
The event will start at 11am on Saturday, September 24.
To find out more and to donate online, visit Cllr Rowland’s fundraising page: www.bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk
