Norma braves the shave for Cancer Research

LOCALS gathered at a Forest pub last week to witness “amazing” woman Norma Cooke take on a sponsored head shave to raise more than £1,500 for Cancer Research UK.

79 year-old Norma parted with her locks in front of an audience of supporters at The Globe Inn in Berry Hill last Tuesday (March 29) to raise vital funds to support research to beat cancer, which has affected the lives of those closest to her.

Norma previously lost both her brother and sister to cancer, and last year, her granddaughter was found to have a “massive” pre-cancerous tumour.

Thankfully, the doctors caught the tumour early and removed it, which Norma’s daughter Joanne Cooke-Wilkins says was lucky as had they not found it when they did, “it could have been a different story”.

Norma, Joanne and family then received another shock just before Christmas when Joanne was diagnosed with sun damage skin cancer.

She has now received treatment and is “hopefully” okay, but is still waiting to heal from the treatment so that she can find out.

Dozens of people have donated to Norma’s cause, both online and on the day, and have helped her to raise roughly £1,535 so far.

Joanne commented on Norma’s Cancer Research UK fundraising page: “Well this amazing woman has done it, so proud.

“Thank you to everyone that has donated so far, we’re overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness.”

To donate to Norma’s appeal, go to www.fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/joannes-giving-page-7695.