By Leicester Mercury | Posted: 27 August, 2015
A 74-year-old grandmother who is battling terminal cancer has shaved her hair off to raise money for LOROS hospice
Rosemary Parkinson, of Kilby, decided she wanted to shave her hair off after she was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year.
"I have cancer and I'm going to lose my hair anyway, so I might as well raise money at the same time," said Rosemary.
"And LOROS is such good cause."
This is the second time Rosemary has been diagnosed with cancer and last time, her hair fell out after she had treatment.
"Last time, I wore a head scarf and my hair fell out because of cancer," she said.
"This time, I thought, right I'm not letting cancer take it - I'm going to do it myself."
Rosemary had planned to shave her hair off last Saturday, however, after being taken to hospital following an infection, she decided to bring the date forward.
Her grand-daughter Katie Burdett, said: "She wanted to shave her hair off earlier than initially planned just in case she got too ill in hospital and couldn't do it.
"She's a stubborn lady and she wanted to do things her way. And she really wanted to raise money for LOROS as it's a Leicester-based charity which supports terminal patients.
"We all think they do a fantastic job."
Katie, 30 said she is so proud of her nan for shaving off her hair for charity.
"She's an absolute star," she added.
The official head-shaving day was set to take place on Saturday at the Dog and Gun, in Kilby.
As Rosemary had already done the deed, a handful of her family members decided to shave their hair off instead on that day, to support her.
"It was a fantastic day," said Katie.
"Nan was given day release from hospital, so it was lovely for her to be able to be there.
"She was tired but she really enjoyed herself, she was in good spirit."
So far, Rosemary's head shave has raised nearly £800 for LOROS Hospice, which almost covers the cost of running the charity for one hour.
To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/rosemary-parkinson
