Gill's bravery

As a new and stronger course of chemotherapy meant that she would lose all her hair in any event, she decided to turn this distressing situation into something which would benefit other people.

At the opening of the Observer ward at St Michael's Hospice this month, she spoke on behalf of patients who have experienced the support and care given by its staff team.

She explained how staying there had given her the courage and stamina to continue with her life and her three year fight against cancer.

The support had continued after she returned home with the visits of Susan, one of a team of complimentary therapists who was able to provide fortnightly massage treatments.

Funded by the Sara Lee Centre, based at St Michael's Hospice, this service supports cancer patients both at the Hospice and at home to retain a positive attitude and overcome stressed.

She learned from Susan that the Sara Lee Centre was not funded through the Hospice and the trustees of the charity desperately needed 65,000 to continue with their work.

Alongside this charity she wanted to recognise the help and practical support given by a director of another small charity, Rom Sanglaji, who had driven her over the past three years to the many appointments she had to attend at Brighton and London hospitals.

From this fund-raising director of the charity known as SASBAH (Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) Gill learned all about the difficulties of raising money for the smaller local charities and she decided to make an effort to raise finance for both these two different charities by having her head shaved by Zane at Friends hairdressers in Western Road, Bexhill, yesterday.

"I was dreading the idea of losing my hair," she said, "but if we can turn this negative situation into a positive one and support two charities which do so much to help people with cancer and other severe disabilities, it will make everything worthwhile.

"If any reader would like to help with this much needed financial appeal please could they send donations to me at 27 Willow Drive, Little Common, Bexhill, TN39 4PX, so that I can forward them to the charities.

Cheques should be made out to The Sara Lee Trust. This money will allow two small charities to continue their vital work throughout the local community."