A Penwortham grandma has braved the shave to raise funds for the charity who are helping her along her cancer journey.
Caroline Holtappel, 74, was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer in June.
The mum of two noticed her hair was thinning after her first chemotherapy treatment, so decided to shave her head for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.
Read more: Historic England considering listing historic gatehouse as demolition plan sparks outcry
Caroline, who has four grandchildren, said: “I was in the shower when I noticed I was losing my hair. I decided to do something positive about it and shave it for Rosemere.
“I’m very grateful to everyone who has supported me, especially the friend who donated £1,000 as I thought I’d be lucky to raise £100.”
She added: “Before I was diagnosed, I had been losing weight and feeling exhausted. I would get up in the morning and then be falling asleep by half ten in the morning or I would go shopping one day and be wiped out for the whole of the following day.
“I wasn’t sure whether it was just age though. I also had tummy symptoms so was treated for irritable bowel syndrome and later given a scan to check for ovarian cancer.
“It was only when my skin began itching and I developed a lump in my neck that I was sent for further scans, which led to my diagnosis. Now my tummy problems have already cleared up and my prognosis is good.”
Doctors at the centre are treating Caroline with six rounds of chemotherapy but are hopeful the course will leave her in remission.
Hannah Leahy, assistant fundraiser for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, said: “Our thanks to Caroline for opting to do this for us and to everyone who has supported her. We wish Caroline all the very best for her treatment and the future.”
