A Healthcare Assistant from Mansfield is having her head shaved on the anniversary of her mother’s death to raise money for Nottinghamshire Hospice where she works.

Teresa Williams, a member of the organisation’s Hospice at Home team, is going to the hairdressers for a close shave on Saturday 18 January in solidarity with her mother and other cancer patients who lose their hair through chemo.

Teresa, who provides end of life care for patients in their own homes, says: “Working for the hospice I see first-hand the benefits it provides to patients and their families. This is my opportunity to give something back and raise awareness.

“My role at the hospice is the best job I’ve ever had. Being able to give person centred care to patients at the end of their lives and to give their families a much needed break is a privilege.  I want to spread the word about the services we offer and to raise some money as well.”

Teresa with patient Roy Jones before Christmas

Teresa’s mother Mary was cared for in a hospice in Letchworth, Hertfordshire at the end of her life in 2013 after being diagnosed with breast cancer eight years previously and battling the illness ever since. Teresa was given a family room at the hospice so she could stay there too and was impressed by the care her mother received there.

Teresa said: “In the final year of mum’s life she became really poorly and didn’t want to be alone. With me and other family living some distance away this put a huge strain on our lives. In mum’s area there was no Hospice at Home service which would have made a huge difference to us. So I want to make sure people are aware of the service that Nottinghamshire Hospice provides, especially where I live in Mansfield.”

Teresa has already smashed her £500 fundraising goal and has received support from friends, colleagues and members of her church – St Peter’s in Ravenshead – who donated in lieu of going out for a Christmas meal. Teresa said:

“I’m nervous but so pleased about money raised.  More than anything, I hope it helps spread the word about our services.”

Once she’s had her hair shaved off, she’s promised to wear purple headgear to promote the hospice too as purple is its corporate colour.

Last year, Nottinghamshire Hospice provided 12,000 hours of Hospice at Home care for patients in their own homes in the mid-Notts healthcare region and is currently rolling out its Hospice Night Support service in the area too.

For more of Teresa’s story and to support her fundraiser, you can visit her page here:

If you’d like to take on your own challenge to raise funds for Nottinghamshire Hospice. There’s lots of ways to get involved. Find out more here.