Braving the Shave for Andy’s Children’s Hospice
Thank you to Ann Collins for braving a head shave in memory of her best friends’ two young children – who both received care at Andy’s Children’s Hospice.
Ann underwent the transformation at the hands of Caroline Brett of Fringe Benefits, in the Retreat Salon at St Andrew’s Hospice, donating her long locks to the Princess Trust.
She was also raising money for Andy’s in memory of her lifelong friends Mark and Eileen Offa’s children Lee and Kirsti.
“Kirsti and Lee both had the same rare, life-limiting condition, which meant they were tube fed and on a lot of medication,” Eileen explained.
“Kirsti came to Andy’s in 2001, on the first or second weekend it opened, but we lost her not long after at the age of four.
“Lee used the services a lot more, until we lost him in March 2003 aged 11. I think he enjoyed it a bit more, he was always spoiled when he was here.”
The Offa family said the hospice helped with “everything”, adding: “Lee and Kirsti were both in the Butterfly Suite after they’d passed. Being able to continue to spend time with them meant a lot to us, we came every day.
“We were also able to continue to access the family flat during that time, which meant we had somewhere to eat and drink while still feeling we were close to them.
“They helped us out quite a bit and were there when we needed them.”
Andy’s also continued to provide support for sister Staci, who said: “I came to sibling days, to meet up with other children who had lost their siblings.
“It was amazing; meeting with other children my age who understood what it was like to be in that sort of situation really helped a lot. Most of the nurses became like family.”
The family have held a number of fundraising events for Andy’s over the years, and said they are “very proud” of friend Ann for braving the shave.
“I think she’s amazing,” Eileen said. “She’s a better person than I am, because I wouldn’t be able to do it! It’s a very emotional day.”
Ann also commented: “I did it because of our friendship. We were neighbours first, we met when they first lost Kirsti so I’ve known them since 2001.
“I’ve looked forward to the head shave for so long, I wasn’t one bit put off by it. It feels really good, and I’m proud to think I’ve done it for the reasons I’ve done it.”