Glasgow woman shaving head for Ayrshire Cancer Support

A young woman from Glasgow whose dad is battling cancer is shaving her head to help other families going through the same thing as hers.

Gabrielle Livingstone will brave the shave on Sunday, lopping off her locks to raise funds for the new cancer support centre in Ayrshire.

A cause that's very close to home

Thousands of pounds has already been raised by her crowdfunder, and the 20-year-old tells Clyde 1 News it’s starting to hit home: “I think it’s hitting me more and more the more I speak to people, the more I organise things, the more money that’s coming in I’m like yeah, wow, I’m really going to be going bald!

But I’m just so excited to be able to raise money for something that’s so close to home.”

Gabrielle’s dad, who’s been battling an aggressive form of cancer for six years, is originally from Cumnock. She says it will mean a lot to him and the rest of her family to help bring such a much-needed facility to the region: “Most of my family on my dad’s side still stay in Ayrshire, and I’ve gone there ever since I was born.

"When my dad was diagnosed I felt so, so alone"

“I’m just so excited for people to have somewhere to go, because I know when I was younger and my dad first got diagnosed I felt so, so alone. So this is going to be great for people who don’t have anyone to talk to.

In April Ayrshire Cancer Support purchased the former St Andrew’s Hotel on Prestwick Road, Ayr, and launched a funding bid to turn it into a specialist centre with counselling and therapeutic rooms, a large drop-in centre, purposed spaces for children and young people’s cancer support services, space to facilitate support groups- as well as landscaped gardens and off-road parking.

A vision for the future from Ayrshire Cancer Support

Sandra McCall, CEO of Ayrshire Cancer Support said: “We are thrilled we have managed to secure such a fantastic property thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Ayrshire community. This centre, whilst modelled on our current Kilmarnock centre, will also have dedicated spaces for children and young people affected by cancer, as well as adults.

“It’s a very exciting time for the charity and we hope it won’t be too much longer until we can raise the funds required to extend the reach of our vital services. Most families are affected by cancer, and it’s comforting to know we intend to be here for everyone who need us well into the future.”

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