Midwife donates late mum’s wigs to help others receiving cancer treatment

A midwife who sadly lost her mum to cancer has donated three of her wigs to help other people receiving treatment.

Clinical Education Midwife Laura Christopher has given three wigs to the Macmillan Wig Bank at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust after her mum Donna, 51, lost her battle against pancreatic cancer a few years ago.

Laura said: “Mum really did fight cancer with everything she had. She was supported by so many colleagues and it was important to me that we gave something back to help others.”

The Wig Bank team are able to accept wigs that are no longer needed – for more information call 01522 573799 or email [email protected].

Laura said: “My mum was a district nurse for many years in the Market Rasen area. She began her nurse training when she was just 17 and devoted her whole life to helping others. She cared for many cancer patients during her career and even applied to Macmillan just before she became poorly.

“She really was amazing and I know she would definitely approve of the wigs being used to help others. I didn’t know what to do with them when mum died, but then I heard about the wig bank and it just sounded so wonderful and perfect.”

Laura added: “We are so grateful for the support mum received during her treatment, not only from NHS colleagues, but also our friends and family. My brother completed the Jog 28 Miles in February challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK and we have both donated to this charity. We will always miss mum, but we know she would be proud to see us continuing to help others.”

Laura and Beverley pictured at the Macmillan Information Centre at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston.

Beverley Flockhart, the Macmillian Cancer Information and Support Service Lead at the Trust, said: “These wigs are going to make a real difference to some of the people we support. We planned to open the Wig Bank in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic we were unable to. So it is great to be able have this service to offer patients now.

“We have wigs and headscarves available and the sessions are supported by an independant hairdresser called Louise and also Doreen from Glenn James Wig Specialists in Woodhall Spa.

“Both Louise and Doreen have had training in styling wigs. They are able to advise on wigs during one to one consultations and can also restyle them to suit individuals. These can either be ones from our bank or ones that people already have.”

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