Teenager shaves hair off in fundraiser for Macmillan

Sixteen-year-old Tilly Galpin has raised thousands for Macmillan after she shaved her hair off in the week leading up to her year 11 prom.

Her mum, Viv, said she looked “amazing” as she rocked her new look on the red carpet, before being voted Prom Queen.

The idea for Tilly’s ‘Brave the Shave’ followed the passing of her grandma to cancer in 2018, but it was only after finishing her GCSE’s in June that she felt ready to take on the challenge.

Viv said: “Roll on three years, a burst of confidence and a life change as she finishes her GCSEs and here we are.”

Tilly ‘braved the shave’ on July 5, and then donated her hair to Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair through cancer.

She said: “I had so many supporters with me at the hairdressers and lots of people watching live on social media. It was quite emotional for everyone.

16-year-old Tilly Galpin and her boyfriend, Harvey, at their year 11 prom.

“I’m quite enjoying the buzz cut and might buzz it again after my holiday.”

Viv said: “The hairdresser bleached what was left blonde- it actually really suits her. Everybody keeps touching her hair.

“We’re really proud. I didn’t do anything like that when I was younger.”

A few days after the shave, Tilly attended her year 11 prom to share her new look. She said: “I was a bit nervous in the lead up to prom but by the time I was ready I felt confident and relaxed.

“Arriving at the prom was really exciting and being voted prom queen by my year group was brilliant. Plus, my boyfriend Harvey was voted prom king.”

Since launching the ‘Brave the Shave fundraiser, Tilly has been able to raise more than £2600 for Macmillan cancer support.

She said: “The support and donations I’ve had is amazing.

“I’m hoping to raise £3000 for Macmillan.”

To donate visit https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/tilly-galpin