A close shave

01 Dec A close shave

Baldersby Park Montessori Nursery School Teacher Kate Thompson had a very close shave at work – but thankfully it was all in the name of charity.

Kate had all her hair shaved off for Macmillan Cancer Support’s Brave the Shave appeal.

And she did this in front of children, staff and her parents and sister at the nursery.

Kate, whose sister Vicky volunteered to do the shaving, did this in memory of her grandfather Fred Aldiss, who died of cancer when she was very young. Her aunt is also currently receiving treatment for cancer.

She set a fundraising target of £500 and has smashed this by raising over £1,300 to date, thanks to the generosity of her friends, family, work colleagues and parents of the children she cares for.

Mum-of-two Kate said: “I was very nervous in the run up to the shave, but I kept reminding myself why I was doing this.

“I remember seeing my grandfather being sick in a bowl when he had cancer, and he was taken away from us way far too early.

“He was the kindest man and the only grandad I had, so I am pleased to have been able to raise this money for him and other people that have been affected by cancer, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me by making donations and giving me gifts, including hats!”

Kate’s mum Rita said: “Kate was very brave but doing something like this is just like her and she is just amazing.”

Victoria Pollitt, Owner/Headteacher of Baldersby Park Montessori Nursery School, said: “The staff, parents and children are all very proud of Kate.

“It’s helped to awareness among the children about cancer and how it affects people, and this has contributed to their learning journey at Baldersby Park.”

Anyone who wishes to donate to Kate’s fundraising appeal can do so via her fundraising page.