KH Hair salon owner braves the shave for Cancer Research UK
Fighting back as disease strikes three family members within five years
KH Hair salon owner, Debbie McMenamin, is having her hair shaved off to raise money and awareness for the cancer charity that has helped her and her family through the worst five years of their lives.
Debbie, who runs the Group’s Nottingham City Centre with her husband, Sean, says she felt she had to do something radical after herself, her mum AND her sister were all diagnosed with cancer within a five-year period.
Debbie was told she had breast cancer in 2019 and underwent surgery the same year. Finding out her mum, Susan, had cancer in 2021 was a shocking blow. Then came the terrible news that her sister, Sharron, also had the disease.
Debbie will brave the shave in the salon on Wednesday 27th of August and husband Sean, will be the one holding the clippers. “When I first mentioned a head shave, Sean thought I meant him!” Debbie says. “When I told him I meant me, he thought I’d gone mad! In fact, everyone thought I’d gone mad! I’ve built a career around hair and every day in the salon we help people express themselves through colour, style, and a good cut. Your hair is often tied to identity, confidence, and personality, so the decision to crop mine off completely definitely isn’t one I have taken lightly.”
Debbie says she’s been more than nervous since making the announcement to her friends and family but the donations she has received so far have spurred her on. “I have to confess, I’ve not been sleeping very well and I’m really not looking forward to seeing myself with no hair, but the thought of raising a good amount of money for Cancer Research UK, a charity very close to my heart, is keeping me strong.”
Cancer Research UK reports that, over the last 40 years, research has made astonishing progress and survival rates for many cancers have increased dramatically. Cancer survival in the UK has, in fact, doubled since the 1970s. The organisation says because cancer is a complex disease, they will likely never find one single cure. However, the charity is determined to work to bring about a world where everybody can lead longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Debbie says her mum is a shining example of what research into cancer treatments can achieve. “She was treated successfully for throat cancer only to find out a year later she had terminal lung cancer,” she explains. However, thanks to cancer research and a new drugs trial, she’s still with us two years on and we will be forever grateful for that.
“When I explained the reasons for having my head shaved to mum and Sharron, they both cried. They still think I’m bonkers, but I know they are very proud of me and will be there to support me on the day, which will be very emotional.”
Debbie says cancer has made far too many unwelcome appearances in her life. “Not just my own battle but the impact it’s had on the people I love deeply,” she explains. “My mum, my sister, and others close to me. Seeing their strength and resilience made me want to take action. I may not be able to cure cancer, but I can still help raise awareness and funds, and every single donation, big or small, adds up to something life changing.”
Debbie has so far raised over £4,000 for Cancer Research UK and says reaching her target of £5k would mean the world to her and her family. Any donations can be made via her Just Giving page: HERE
