Rochdale army cadet shaves head for children’s cancer charity

Lucy Feighery before and after shaving her hair off

A Rochdale army cadet has shaved her head for a children’s cancer charity.

Lucy Feighery, 15, a cadet at Rochdale Detachment, One (Minden) Company GMACF  shaved her hair on Tuesday 7 July, raising £885 for the Chelsea’s Angels charity, for children with rare forms of cancer.

Posting on the fundraiser page, Lucy’s mum, Donna, said: “We have tried to support Chelsea’s Angels for many years, so it's upsetting to see them struggle. 

“Raising £250 would support one child fighting cancer. If Lucy is able to double that amount, then that would support a small break away for a family needing to create memories.”

Chelsea's Angels offers support to children diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and other rare cancers. The charity was set up in memory of three-year-old Chelsea Knighton, of Northamptonshire, who lost her battle with Neuroblastoma in August 2009.

Donna and her daughters began to help with online fundraising before selling merchandise, hosting wear pink days, hosting teddy tombolas and similar events.

This isn’t the first time Lucy has cut her hair for the charity. When she was in year six at primary school, she cut 17 inches from her hair, raising almost £1,000. She donated her hair to The Little Princess Trust, which provides free real hair wigs for children with conditions that result in hair loss, such as alopecia or chemotherapy.

“Lucy was just a year older than Chelsea when she died. I first heard of Chelsea and her mum, Emma, when we were both members of an online parent forum,” Donna explained.

“Lucy has spoken for a while about what else she could do and suggested shaving her head. I gave her a few weeks to think about it, then put the idea to Emma and Michelle, Chelsea’s aunt.

“We are all extremely proud of Lucy.”

To donate, please visit:

• www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lucy-feighery