NWCR
Putting our region's cancer needs first

Ann Braves the Shave

Ann Roberts, a healthcare support worker at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor has braved the shave to raise vital funds for local, life-saving research.

In 2018, Ann and her family were given the devastating news that her husband, Richard, had developed a brain tumour. After being referred to Walton Hospital, Liverpool where the lump was removed successfully, he was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma, a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.

Richard then went on to have seven months of gruelling chemotherapy as well as a stem cell transplant, with his treatment ending April 2019. Thanks to the treatment Ann’s husband received at both Walton hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd, he is doing exceptionally well and has been in remission for the last 15 months.

Inspired by her husband’s bravery and tough journey, Ann wanted to do something personally to give back to the cancer research that had helped to save his life.

Always up for a challenge, Ann knew she had to do something big and memorable to raise as much sponsorship as possible. Aided by her daughter-in-law, Sioned, she set up a Justgiving page and put the word out on Facebook that Ann was set to brave the shave on 13th June 2020.

Before they knew it the support came flooding in and what started as a £250 target, quickly grew to over £1,850.

Ann said: “It’s been a long journey for Richard and all of our family, but the love, support and positive thinking we have received from family, friends and neighbours has brought us through it.

“We give our thanks to the care and support we received from all the doctors and nurses at Alaw Day Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Walton hospital, and so I wanted to raise money for the cancer research that makes these treatments possible.

“Cancer touches so many lives and devastates so many families, we will not let it beat us. To everyone who is going through cancer treatments, or has had it, think positive, be strong, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are all so proud of my husband having been through this and come out fighting.

“I knew if I ever did brave the shave it would be for charity, but the response has been amazing. So many kind people have donated to this worthy cause, I’m so overwhelmed! I’m glad I did it and I really like the look, I think this will be my hairstyle for a while– it saves on the hairdressers!”

It certainly suits you, Ann!