Jeannie Edwards, a registered nurse from North Wales, recently undertook a charity head shave to raise funds for Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham, who looked after her bereaved friend after she had lost her wife.

Mother-of-two, Jeannie, who is currently studying for a second Master’s degree in obesity and weight management, completed the head shave on Saturday, September 5 at Avatar Fitness, Mold, who are also making the hospice their chosen charity this year.

Jeannie was diagnosed with breast cancer in June and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Jeannie said: “I am an only child and fortunate I still have my parents alive, but at times this has made me feel so sad for people that have to do this when they also have roles and responsibilities.

“If I don’t have the energy to get off the couch I don’t have to. I can only imagine how it feels for someone who must get up and attend to children, who must carry on in a difficult or unsupportive relationship and those who must go to work to make ends meet. This has been the driving force for me to help. I cry for them, not me.”

Jeannie maintains that at times, she feels guilty that she has all of this support but still moans about the side effects.

However, she said that she has an amazing network of friends within the keto community, as well as registered health professionals.

Jeannie said: “My friend received unbelievable therapy after the death of her wife. It was undoubtedly the after-support that got her through and without Nightingale House, I doubt she would have fought to return to be a nurse herself.

“The hospice saved my friend and gave her the courage, value and worth
to carry on when everyone else had gone home back to their lives.”

Jeannie maintains that she is a person who grabs things and gets them done. She suggests that it is her way of coping.

Jeannie said: “I say if it’s going to happen let’s just get on with it! Of course I’m sad, but this is a chance to fight for my life.

“My parents, my girls and my husband feel helpless. The day I got my news, I know some mum, dad, nana, or daughter got the news that they were palliative and didn’t get the choice to fight. Our friend got this version last year. I feel I got the better option.”

Bethan Scott, Challenge Events Coordinator at the hospice, has come out in support for Jeannie’s efforts.

Bethan said: “Jeannie’s story has really touched us here at the hospice. All she wants to do is to try and turn her situation into something positive by raising much needed funds for us.

“Jeannie wanted to take charge and feel in control and wants her family to see a positive aspect to her journey. She is such an inspiration and already thinking about pursuing a volunteering role when she is feeling better.”

Jeannie has also extended her thanks to her friends: Marie, Peggy, Marjorie, Marnial and to her PT instructor, Keion Painter, who supports her with lifting weights.

Beth said: “She says that he has the patience of a saint and has no idea how precious their half hour session is.”

“Thank you, Jeannie, from all of us at Nightingale House.”

Nightingale House is located in Wrexham, Clwyd.

If you would like to make a donation to Jeannie’s charity head shave, you may do so by visiting her JustGiving page here.