Corby pupil raises more than £3,500 after braving the shave

A Corby sixth former has raised more than £3,500 for Myeloma UK by having her head shaved.

Olivia Miller, who is in Year 13 at Brooke Weston Academy, took on the challenge after her mum was diagnosed with the condition - an incurable blood cancer - in December.

Her mum, Anne-Marie, aunt and cousins helped her with the head shave, which took place on Myeloma Action Day at the end of March.

She said: "I am really happy to have done this to raise money as these donations are going to make a real difference to people.

"I’ve only ever had my hair this short before when I was a baby as it was about shoulder length before so it takes some time to get used to!’

The response from Olivia’s fellow students and staff has been very positive and her JustGiving page is still open if more people want to contribute.

She said: "I wanted to make this gesture as hair is a huge part of your identity. I reached a milestone fundraising target on my 18th birthday and the donations are still coming in. My mum is very proud of me.

"In December 2020 she was diagnosed with myeloma, an incurable cancer of the blood. Thankfully she is undergoing treatment and has a somewhat positive prognosis so far, but this has only been possible due to the amazing work of charities like Myeloma UK who fund research projects, clinical trials, access to treatment and emotional support schemes with no government financial support.

"Further support would mean the world to me and your money could go a long way towards treating blood cancer, or perhaps finding a cure."