Wokingham's deputy Mayor to shave her hair off for charity
Beth Rowland will have her head shaved in public to support MacMillan cancer
Last updated 27th Sep 2022
Cllr Beth Rowland, the Deputy Mayor of Wokingham Borough, is going to have her head shaved in public to raise money for charity.
The Liberal Democrat councillor, who represents South Lake in Woodley, decided to brave the shave for Macmillan Cancer Support after several people in her life were diagnosed.
On Saturday 24 September, she will have her head shaved by a member of staff from Marc Antoni in Woodley, with the haircut taking place outside the salon at 11am.
Cllr 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. Marc Antoni have not only agreed to do it for free, but they’ve also put it on their Facebook page to help with the fundraising.
“I’ve had lots of people tell me that I’m really brave for doing this, but I’m not. 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.
“I’m hoping to use my position as the Deputy Mayor to help raise money for this brilliant cause. It’s not for my personal benefit, but for the benefit of others. Everybody I’ve contacted has been only too happy to help.”
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, 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.”
Mr Jones had breast cancer in 2008 and underwent surgery and various treatments in a process that lasted nine months.
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 has been a councillor for more than 25 years. She is the deputy to Mayor Cllr Caroline Smith and in 2000 she served as the Mayor of Woodley and she is also a town councillor.
You can find out more and donate online by visiting Cllr Rowland’s fundraising page.