Brighton teenager shaves head after losing family to cancer

Keely Cottrell, 18, decided to shave her head after watching her grandma and three of her grandfathers fight cancer when she was a child.

The nursery nurse who lives in Bear Road, Brighton said: “My nan went through breast cancer and watching that as a child is very scary.

Keely with her father Chris after their head shave

“I work at a children’s nursery too and I thought there’s nothing better than to do it for children’s cancer research.

“Children going through cancer haven’t had a full life yet and working at the nursery made me want to do something for a cause that was very close to my heart.”

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In just over three weeks, Keely has raised more than £1,700 for Children’s Cancer Research UK and she says her grandma, Julie Maguire, is “incredibly proud” of her achievement.

Keely with her grandmother

She said: “My nan was a hairdresser, so hair was such a big thing for her to lose. I wanted to give something back and do something for my nan.

“She always loved my hair but she thought it was really amazing that I decided to shave it and she kept telling me how inspirational I am.

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“I’ve gone over double my target online, but I have also received a small amount of cash donations.

Keely is to donate the money she has raised to Children's Cancer Research

“My nursery and my old primary school have both made donations too so I can’t wait to put it all together and see how much I’ve raised so far.”

Keely’s friends and family took turns with the shaver until all her blonde locks were gone.

After being inspired by Keely, her father Chris Cottrell also decided to brave the shave.

Keely said while she felt “nervous” beforehand, she now wishes she could “experience the feeling all over again.”

Keely said: I started to panic about an hour before and it seemed really scary. But while I was doing it, it was the most amazing feeling ever.

“I did a live on Facebook and having all the support from people watching it, plus my family and friends, it was the best experience.

“I’m going to keep it short for a little while and do some crazy patterns in it at some point too.”