King's Lynn woman Julie Swinton shaves her head for cancer charity

A woman from Lynn who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year has braved the shave for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Julie Swinton, a mother of three who is training to become an ordained member of Church of England clergy, was given the diagnosis after a routine mammogram showed abnormalities.

She had her head shaved at a salon at Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital in July.

Julie said: “No one wakes up thinking ‘Today’s the day I’m going to get diagnosed with cancer’.

“It’s a shock. It’s bewildering. You’re not sure what to do, or how you should feel.

“And the doctor asks if you have any questions, but your head is spinning.

“Then later when you begin to process it all, you’ve loads of questions.

“So, Macmillan is there to answer questions, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, to listen to worries and fears, and to offer support and guidance.

“They also helped financially, which we are incredibly grateful for.”

Julie decided to Brave the Shave and give something back to the charity, something which thousands of people across the country also do throughout August.

“Because I had radiotherapy, rather than chemo, I was lucky and I didn’t lose my hair,” Julie said.

“Once I was completely better I decided to Brave the Shave for Macmillan Cancer Support so that they could help other people in similar situations.

“People have been incredibly generous and I’m hoping to have raised about £1,000.”

For more information about Brave the Shave or to support a shaver, visit bravetheshave.org.uk.

Julie is pictured with daughters Sarah Stevenson and Rachel Slater. MLNF-19AF07143