Cancer survivor and Harrogate hospital staff member shaves hair for charity
33 years since her diagnosis, Wendy is shaving her head to raise awareness of breast cancer
Last updated 6th Aug 2021
A staff member at Harrogate hospital who beat cancer twice is giving back by doing a sponsored head shave today (6 August).
Wendy Pullan - who has worked in catering at the Trust for 25 years - was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 years old and underwent five years of ongoing treatment at Harrogate hospital.
But 20 years after her first diagnosis, doctors found three tumours during a routine check-up and Wendy was once again diagnosed with breast cancer.
After her second diagnosis, Wendy made the decision to have an operation to remove both of her breasts.
Wendy, said: "I'm so nervous to do it but I just wanted to give something back because cancer affects so many people. I feel lucky enough to be here and to be alive to do something about it.
"I went into a bubble when I found it. I thought 'this isn't happening to me' was the way I dealt with it but I'm here now to do something and to give something back.
"I just wanted to do something to help cancer services and to make people aware. If just one person thinks 'Oh I'm sure I've got a little lump' and goes to get checked and gets help then it's worth it."
Fast forward 33 years, Wendy is shaving her head to raise awareness of breast cancer in both men and women. She now wants something to give back; raising money to support those who are going through similar experiences as she has.
Sammy Lambert, Business Development, Charity and Volunteer Manager, said: “We are delighted that Wendy is wishing to support HHCC after her ordeal.
“I would like to say thank you to Wendy and let her know we are so grateful for the donations. The money raised will really help make a difference to staff working in the trust as well as patients who are receiving treatment.
“We are so happy and grateful to Vision Hair in Knaresborough who will be shaving Wendy’s hair off.”
You can donate to the charity by clicking here