Brave Michelle has her head shaved in Harborough to help a charity close to her heart

Michele Tate celebrates after her head shave for Macmillan Cancer at the Willows Nursing Home.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Michele Tate celebrates after her head shave for Macmillan Cancer at the Willows Nursing Home. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

A brave mum has had her head shaved in Market Harborough to boost a crucial cancer charity.

Michele Tate, 61, is seen here having her dyed locks shorn by equally courageous colleague and friend Fawn Miller, 29.

She has already raked in £320 for Macmillan Cancer Support after the sponsored cut went ahead at The Willows Nursing Home on Coventry Road, Market Harborough.

Michele, who’s been a night sister at the 34-resident home for 14 years, said: “I think Fawn, who’s a care assistant here, was more nervous than I was!

“But I just let her loose on me, she did a fantastic job and I’m so grateful to her.

“My hair had run a bit wild during the Covid-19 lockdown and was a real mess.

“So Fawn did me a favour lopping it all off.”

Fawn Miller starts to shave Michele Tate's head for Macmillan Cancer at the Willows Nursing Home.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Fawn Miller starts to shave Michele Tate's head for Macmillan Cancer at the Willows Nursing Home. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

As for being inspired, Michele, of Walcot Road, Market Harborough, added: “I’m very pleased I’ve done it.

“I’ve had a few funny looks in town but otherwise I’ve just got on with it.

“I’d like to thank the Willows for allowing me to stage the event there.

“Over 40 friends, family and other staff turned out to support me and they were brilliant.

Michele Tate and Fawn Miller before the head shave for Macmillan Cancer at the Willows Nursing Home.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Michele Tate and Fawn Miller before the head shave for Macmillan Cancer at the Willows Nursing Home. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“My dad Brian died of cancer when he was just 58.

“We also do palliative care here and Macmillan are always there for us.

“So I decided to get behind them.

“I can’t run a marathon and I’m not a big walker so having my head shaved seemed the route to go down.

Staff and friends and family watch during the head shave.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Staff and friends and family watch during the head shave. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“It’s been much harder for first-class charities and organisations like Macmillan during the coronavirus and they need all the help they can get.”

The generous mum-of-two and grandmother-of-five is now looking forward to getting her hair back.

“I’m told hair grows at three inches every six months so I’ll have got some back by Christmas all being well.

“If you’d like to donate then please come along and hand in your donation at the Willows on Coventry Road,” said Michele.

“My family are very proud of me for taking the plunge and it feels so good to be able to support an absolutely vital cause like Macmillan.”