Wokingham’s deputy mayor is going to have her head shaved in public this weekend to raise money for a cancer charity. 

Cllr Beth Rowland, who represents South Lake in Woodley, will participate in the ‘Brave the Shave’ campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support after several people in her life were diagnosed. 

“Just recently, three people in my life have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer,” Cllr Rowland explained. 

“The first is a young colleague who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is using Macmillan to support her and they have been marvellous. I also have two other colleagues that have been affected.” 

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A member of staff from Marc Antoni hair salon in Woodley will be shaving Cllr Rowland’s head outside the store at 11am on Saturday September 24. 

Her original target of £500 has already been surpassed, with £620 having been raised so far.  

Wokingham Council leader Cllr Clive Jones, who underwent surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, said Cllr Rowland is “incredibly brave” in doing it. 

I can remember 14 years ago when I had to go through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. There was the potential for me to lose my hair and I certainly didn’t want to do that. 

“The Macmillan nurses do an exceptionally good job and every penny that she raises through this will be well spent and very much appreciated by the people who unfortunately have to use their services,” he said. 

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Cllr Rowand insists she is not being brave. 

“The brave people are the ones going through operations and chemotherapy. For me, it is a negligible loss, and my hair will grow back. I’m very confident about doing this,” she added. 

The deputy mayor has been a Wokingham councillor for more than 25 years, she is also a town councillor as well as being a governor at South Lake Primary School and a trustee on the Waingels Trust. 

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, who will be attending the charity head shave, said it was “great” to be able to help Cllr Rowland support the “vital work” that Macmillan do.