Emily's Brave the Shave

Emily Taylor, Age UK Cornwall, from Truro, has ‘Braved the Shave’ by doing a sponsored head shave in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. Emily, who also works as a Macmillan Community Navigator, has raised £1062 to date for the charity after she completed her head shave on her birthday with family and friends at local Truro pub The William IV.

Emily said “Since I started my new role as Macmillan Community Navigator talking to people affected by cancer across Cornwall, I’ve come to understand the full impact it can have on all aspects of their lives. Not only for the person affected but the lives of their friends and family too."

“It was seeing the difference that Macmillan makes to people’s lives that inspired me to do something to help raise some much-needed funds. I was a little nervous, to say the least, but it was a fantastic evening and I’m thrilled to have raised so much!”

Emily’s role as Macmillan Navigator involves engaging with people living with cancer and their carers across the county to address their practical, emotional and physical needs to help them get the support that they need. The role is part of a partnership Macmillan and Age UK Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, who have worked together since 2015 to tackle loneliness, isolation and improve access to community support for Cornwall’s older population who are affected by cancer.

Emily added “My role and my colleague Gaye Barber’s role as Macmillan Volunteer Experience Facilitator are funded by Macmillan. Since October 2018 we’ve been working to recruit and empower ‘Community Champions’ to offer companionship, social opportunities and practical help to people out in the community and build networks of support across the county. I’m really proud to be a part the partnership between Macmillan and Age UK Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, it is very rewarding to see the difference we’ve already made.”

Macmillan Cancer Support’s Brave the Shave is just one way you can raise money for people affected by cancer. Whether you run a marathon, host a coffee morning, take part in the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike, give a donation or volunteer your time at an event, it all makes a huge difference for people living with cancer. Every year 11,506 people in Cornwall are diagnosed with cancer. With demand for Macmillan’s services increasing the charity can’t continue without the support of people like Emily.

Emma Wright, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Cornwall said: “Macmillan receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on public donations and our wonderful supporters. On behalf of Macmillan, I would like to say a huge thank you to Emily for raising vital funds for people living with cancer.”

Check out the before and after pictures below:

Anyone interested in fundraising and supporting people affected by cancer can call Macmillan’s Supporter Care Hub on 0300 1000 200 or visit macmillan.org.uk.

To donate to Emily’s Brave the Shave visit https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/emily-taylor

About Macmillan Cancer Support

We’re here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support. So whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.

For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk

About Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly:

Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly is an independent local charity. We've been working in the local community to help older people for over 45 years. We have 90 dedicated staff and 467 volunteers helping us to deliver services, information, and activities throughout Cornwall.

Our services are community driven, person-centred and flexible to the needs each individual we support. Last year we provided information, services, transport & assistance to over 55,000 people.

Call our Helpline on 01872 266383 or visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cornwall/