MORE THAN a dozen people will be having their heads shaved in Evesham in solidarity with a friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Julie Henn, 58, from Badsey who now lives on the Orchards Estate in Evesham, has been living with osteoarthritis for many years and received the saddening news of a stage three ovarian cancer diagnosis, after being rushed to hospital with severe stomach pains.
She is now undergoing intense chemotherapy and in a show of support, 14 people in the community have agreed to have their heads shaved to help raise funds for Julie’s chemotherapy and hopeful rehabilitation.
The event will take place at The Bridge Inn and Ferry pub along the River Avon on Friday, March 29 at 7pm and has been organised by a close friend of Julie’s – Neil Butler, 61.
Neil told the Standard: “Julie is so positive, through her osteoarthritis and now cancer, never giving up and always thinking of others. She turns a bad situation into a positive for those around her and is inspirational.
“She lives by the motto ‘when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade’.”
Neil has received the support of the The Bridge Inn landlord, Alistair Barlow, who has kindly agreed to provide a location for the head shave and join in himself.
Neil and Alistair will also be joined by Neil’s son, Samuel Butler, and godson, Michael Sherbourne. Michael lives in Detroit, Michigan in the USA but is currently staying with Neil in Evesham.
Michael’s dad, Julian Sherbourne will also be joining in, live-streaming his own head shaving from Detroit. Around a dozen other members of the community will be getting a one all over in support of Julie.
Three local hairdressers have offered their time to shaving heads in Evesham. Nikki from MGC barbers, Nikki from Stylicious Hair Design and Nick Nash of Nix Hair and Beauty will all be volunteering.
“We shared the plan with friends who have been very supportive. It didn’t take much for people to dive in and help,” added Neil.
Two raffles will take place on the evening to raise funds, with over 40 prizes donated by local businesses. Raffle entries will be £1 per ticket. £5 per strip.
Neil has also been organising a fundraiser with a goal of £1000. An initial target of £500 has been smashed, with the fund currently sitting at £695 at the time of writing.
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/caroline-butler-1 to donate.
