Head shave in memory of brother and father for St Rocco’s Hospice

Joanna Vaughan shaved her head in September to raise money for the Bewsey-based hospice.

She was inspired to come head-to-head with the razor in memory of her brother Jon, who lost his battle with cancer more than a decade ago at the age of just 44.

Joanna said: “I wanted to do something memorable for the family we have lost.

“I know he would be laughing at me, even though he would be proud of me too.”

She also braved the shave in memory of her father Keith, who received care from the hospice before he sadly passed away five years ago.

“He started to recover and was moved to Warrington Hospital, but over the next six weeks he started to deteriorate, Joanna explained.

“We managed to move him to St Rocco’s for one night before he passed away. He wasn’t aware, but just him being there for his last night gave my mum and me comfort.

Joanna had her head shaved by friend Andrea

“The staff were absolutely amazing.”

Joanna said that most of the £1,300 in donations were from people who had been touched by the hospice in some way.

Among the generous supporters was her best friend Andrea Howard, whose mother Ann received care from St Rocco’s seven years ago.

Andrea said: “We were taken aback by the care and compassion that was shown to mum in her final weeks, and by the love and support of all the staff and volunteers to our family in such a difficult time.

"We are eternally grateful, and St Rocco’s Hospice will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Joanna’s workplace, Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors in Woolston, kindly agreed to match the money raised.

You can still donate to the effort by visiting stroccos.org.uk/donation-details-page