A 54-year-old Reading woman has shaved her head to raise money for the hospice caring for her brother-in-law with cancer.

Melanie Raven, from Reading, organised the charity fundraiser on March 9 to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading.

She also paid tribute to her mum by doing the head shave on the 10th anniversary of the day she passed away from pancreatic cancer.

Melanie said: “The work that Sue Ryder does is just amazing and I wanted to raise awareness of the brilliant care and support that the Duchess of Kent Hospice provides for people and their loved ones in our community.

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"It was a brilliant day and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored, donated and came along to support me. I am over the moon with the amount raised.”

The day services at the hospice help patients to meet others in a similar situation and support them socially with fun and interesting activities and groups.

Reading Chronicle: Melanie RavenMelanie Raven

Where necessary, onward referrals can also be made to the hospice’s multi-disciplinary team including Sue Ryder Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, family support, lymphoedema specialists and complementary therapists.

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Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, Georgia Thornton, said: “We’re so grateful to Melanie for braving the shave to raise vital funds to support our hospice.

“We are reliant on generous supporters fundraising and donating, which helps us to continue providing our specialist care, advice and support to local people and their families during the most difficult times of their lives.”

In total she raised £400 from her online fundraising page, sponsorship and donations.