I first became aware of Cancer Hair Care when I visited them as a client in 2018, having been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’d admired someone’s headwear a few months previously, and they mentioned this wonderful charity that gave loads of free support.

It was both daunting and overwhelming when I was trying to get to grips with what was happening to me, in terms of my cancer diagnosis and coping with the potential hair loss. My long, thick hair was such a big part of my identity.

I felt really special after my first visit to the charity. They really listened to me and I walked away from my first visit with a bag full of goodies and lots of expert, kind advice. To have a charity that was so compassionate, understanding and informed about all aspects of hair loss was incredibly special.

I decided to try and minimise my hair loss through scalp cooling. Cancer Hair Care had lots of great advice about how to prepare for each session and what to expect. They gave me a simple, fabric hairband to protect my forehead from the cold – although a tissue works too!

Some of my hair started falling out after my third chemo cycle. I had a pre-booked consultation at the Caring Hair Salon and I made the decision to cut my hair into a bobbed style, which would make it look neater and thicker. As my hair was washed, a giant matted knot formed with the loose hairs tangling with the remaining hair but the team patiently combed my hair through before they could cut and style it – I would never have coped with that at home.

Cancer Hair Care means a great deal to me. They helped me to be bold and provided an exceptional service. I was supported by the charity throughout my treatment, into recovery and my hair growing back – this time curly! At each point in my journey, they gave me confidence and this permeated my entire hair loss experience and how I faced the world.

“I’m honoured to have been asked to be a Trustee and I’m really looking forward to supporting them. I’m so proud of how they are adapting as a charity in these challenging times and I’m looking forward to all.”