Hi, I'm John Reading and I've been a ceramics tutor at Aberystwyth Art Centre for the past 26 years.  I have now decided to have all my hair cut off for charity, which I know is not an original idea but running 26 miles in a silly costume is really not for me !. 

I think having what I describe as the 'Clown wig' that I've been growing these past months cut off will be shock enough to my system.

Finding out you have cancer can also be quite a shock, hence the charity I'm raising money for is 'Maggies' cancer care centre in Swansea.

These centres, throughout Britain, were started by Maggie Keswick-Jencks and her international architect husband Charles Jencks , for not only the sufferers of cancer but for their friends and families; because cancer does not just affect the individual but also all those around them.

With it estimated that by 2020 almost half the people in the UK being affected by cancer at some point in their lives these centres will become even more important.  Built within the grounds of major cancer hospitals they provide an oasis of calm away from the institutional, clinical hospital atmosphere. They are designed to a domestic scale and provide a safe welcoming environment that raises your spirits when you walk in.

Many of the architects who have designed centres are world renowned ( Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Richard Rogers) and some have donated their fees to the charity - such is the belief in the value of the work of 'Maggies'.

Whilst I feel I am coping, I am nevertheless grateful to have somewhere quiet to relax whilst waiting for medication to be prepared; but more importantly that my wife is able to use the centre whilst I receive immunotherapy treatment at Singleton Hospital.            It has given her a chance to discuss her worries and concerns with knowledgeable staff and volunteers experienced in the problems family members face.

Having all my hair cut off is also in support of the many women whose treatment causes hair loss and who then feel the need to wear a hat or wig.  There should be no issue about a lack of hair - society needs to wise up and move on.

As a potter, painter and printmaker I am offering a small original etching print to the first 50 people generous enough to donate £20 or more; but I am equally appreciative of any amount given to this worth while charity.   "no donation is too small".

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

If you donate £20 or more and wish to be considered for one of the 50 original etching prints please leave your email address in the message along with your donation so you can be contacted.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.