On 21 September, Joanna came face to face with an electric razor after smashing her fundraising target to shave her head for St Rocco’s.

‘With it being 10 years in September since I lost my brother, Jon Vaughan, to cancer at the age of 44, 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!’

Joanna has raised over £1,300 and said that most of the people who have supported her live in Warrington and have been touched by the hospice in some way.  Joanna also braved the shave in memory of her dad, Keigh Vaughan, who passed away 5 years ago.

‘My dad had a stroke; he was fine at first but then he had a larger one the day after and was in Whiston Hospital.  He started to recover and was moved to Warrington General but over the next 6 weeks he started to deteriorate.  We managed to move him to St Rocco's for one night before he passed away.  He wasn't aware but just him being in there for his last night gave my mum and me comfort.  The staff were absolutely amazing.’

When asked about how she felt about the head shave, Joanna said she was nervous for about 10 seconds but then just thought to herself ‘come on, let’s get this done!’  She said it felt very strange at first but after a few passes in front of the mirror, she was over it.

Joanna’s also wanted to dedicate her head shave to her best friend’s mum who was cared for at St Rocco’s.  Andrea lost her mum, Ann Howard, to cancer 7 years ago.  Andrea (who can be seen in the photo below with Joanna) spoke about her mum’s care and how much the hospice meant to the family,

‘We were taken aback by the care and compassion that was shown to mum in her final weeks and for the love and support of all the staff and volunteers to our family at 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 on Woolston Grange, has kindly agreed to match fund the money she has raised which is an incredible gesture.

Thank you, Joanna, for being a fundraising inspiration!

BEAUTIFUL BEFORE THE SHAVE

BEAUTIFUL AFTER THE SHAVE