On 15th March my best friend of nearly 26 years told me she had breast cancer. I knew pretty much from that moment I would shave all my hair off if Mariam lost hers to show my support. I can’t 100% articulate why I want to do it, but I do know I wouldn’t do it for many people and it’s never remotely made it anywhere near my bucket list!!

Although it’s been caught early, it’s an aggressive form of cancer and Mariam’s been told she’ll definitely lose her hair. I’m quite fond of mine and my blonde bit at the front, but I have a choice and Mariam doesn’t. As soon as hers starts going, mine’s going.

24th May is chemo day 1, so expect to see a picture of my shiny head in 2-4 weeks’ time….eeek! I’m actually terrified, but not as terrified as having to go through cancer or having no choice but to face it.

I can’t not take the opportunity to raise money for doing something like this, so I’ve chosen Cancer Research UK and we’ve jointly chosen EJF. One thing that the Environmental Justice Foundation works on is protecting climate refugees, and the environment is very close to both our hearts. Because of rising sea levels caused by global warming, it is estimated that by 2050, 1 in 7 Bangladeshis will have been displaced by climate change. Mariam’s dad was Bangladeshi, and even if a little of the money raised ends up there that would be amazing. If not, it’ll still do some good for those who are impacted by environmental injustices.

(PS. Because of the way Just Giving works with multiple charity fundraising, the choice of charity is up to you as the donor. However, it would mean the ABSOLUTE world to us if you could keep the donations pretty even, as if I could, I would split funds 50/50. Just scroll to the bottom of the fundraising page and check the totals before donating.....thank you!)

I certainly hope nobody in my life that I’m this close to ever has to go through what Mariam and her family are going through, and I’m never in a position to have this strong urge to shave my head again! Love you Mazza x

In the meantime, remember to check those tattybojangles ladies (Mariam's word not mine - boobs to you foreign folk!), and to make the very most of life…..if you don’t love your job, jack it in; if something’s making you unhappy, address it; if something in your life just isn’t right, change it; you only get one life, love it and live it x