Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am shaving my head on 2nd October 2016, in memory of a true gent and to raise awareness and funds for vital research into mesothelioma.  I was inspired to do this by the Brave the Shave campaign.

Just over a year ago, we lost a dear friend, Brian McIvor.

Around May 2014, Brian began having the symptoms of a dry cough. As the weeks went on this gradually worsened and he became increasingly breathless. Various antibiotics and steroids didn't alleviate his discomfort and after much investigation, in February 2015 he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Unbelievably and incredibly sadly, there was no cure and on the 19th June of the same year, Brian passed away. He was 45 years old.

Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer affecting the lung and occasionally the abdomen caused by exposure to asbestos. It can take decades for any symptoms to show and sadly, the chances of long-term survival are currently very slim. Around 2500 people in Britain will be told that they have it this year - and yet so far there has been very little research into the best ways to diagnose, treat and support them.

It is my intention to shave off my hair on 2nd October (the day before Brian's birthday) in order to raise awareness of the cruel disease which is mesothelioma. I am obviously a bit apprehensive about doing this, but am just thankful that, for me, it is a choice......

Please dig as deeply as you can and help support Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund/British Lung Foundation. Any contributions, however big or small, will be hugely appreciated.

Many, many thanks.

Lisa

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.