Story: Saleema Imam & Sonam Nawaz Photos: Sonam Nawaz
During a brilliant summer at Pitsmoor Adventure Playground Joanna Harrison and Jessica Lonsdale helped organise a funday, where they shaved their heads raising £540 for the Mummy’s Star Charity.
When asked why, Jess said “I have a close friend who was diagnosed with cancer and was told she couldn’t have children. Miraculously, she conceived and went on to have a baby.”
Jess and Jo wanted to raise awareness, as not many people have heard of the charity. It supports women diagnosed with cancer in pregnancy and within a year of birth: www.mummysstar.org Jess responded, “You never think about this and how people get through it. It made me appreciate my life.”
Playground manager, Patrick Meleady, said, “We want to profile the charity and support families. Jess and Jo both played at Pitsmoor Adventure as children, and wanted to shave their hair in the playground where they grew up. We thought we’d provide a platform for Jo and Jess and facilitate the head shave.”
Julius, one of the playground workers, helped to shave their hair and said “I thought it was a great idea. I feel bad for butchering their long hair, but it’s for a beautiful cause.”
Both young women felt nervous and excited saying “We will appreciate our hair when it grows back.”
They will donate the money through http://www.justgiving.com/joandjessx
Pitsmoor Adventure Playground is open: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 3.15 – 6.15pm. Saturday 12.30 – 3.30pm. Holidays, same days 12.30 – 3.30pm.
