Sam Whittall, the deputy manager at Ross Court Residential Care Home, braved the shave for Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday, July 29th.

34-year-old Sam, who lives at Brampton Abbotts near Ross-on-Wye, started working at Ross Court in January this year, but she has been working as a carer for 17 years. She told the Ross Gazette:?“(Macmillan is) a charity close to my heart as I’ve worked in care for so many years and I’ve seen the wonderful work they do.”

Sam explained that throughout the course of her career, she looked after many elderly residents, and has seen a great deal of cancer related illnesses.

Sam spoke very highly of her experience with Macmillan nurses, “It’s such a worthwhile cause, they not only support the person with cancer, but they work with their families, and help out in so many ways,” she said.

Having her hair shaved marked the first occasion that Sam has raised funds for Macmillan, although she has taken part in fundraising events for other charities which mean a lot to her. These include the Race for Life, in aid of Cancer Research, and the Memory Walk, to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Sam has been collecting donations from her friends, family and work colleagues in the lead-up to the shave. Her initial target was to raise £250, but it appears as though she has exceeded this, and raised approximately £450.

On Friday afternoon, Sam invited her supporters to witness her brave the shave. They then enjoyed a barbecue, and celebrated her fundraising feat in style.

If you would like to sponsor Sam, please visit her online donation page:?bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/samantha-whittall.