I'm Losing it!

Hi my name is Brenda Taylor, I live in Whitianga and have been growing my hair long planning to have it cut off for a wig. This is quite a big thing for me as I’ve always had longer hair preferring a trim to a cut any day, a debate regularly had with my hairdresser. I’m supposed to be in the UK preparing for my daughter’s wedding and then my grand-daughter was going to cut my pony tail off. Covid 19 may have postponed the wedding for now but it will not stop me lopping my locks even in the middle of a NZ winter. Unfortunately I have found out that my natural ‘salt and pepper’ colouring is not suitable for wigs, sad but true. Any grey hair is a no no – who knew that? The best laid plans of mice and men may go awry but I will keep my word and still go for the chop on the 1st July.

I’ve not met anyone who has not been affected by cancer in some way or another or who has had a loved one need hospice care for a terminal illness. I have lost family and friends to cancer and immune diseases, those losses will flow through my veins forever. My lovely mum had such a long battle with cancer and our local hospice was amazing. On her first visit my mum thought going into the hospice was a death sentence and struggled with the emotions of having to go there, when I picked mum up to bring her home she said it was like staying at the Dorchester! It takes an amazing team of palliative care workers to be able to change such deep seated fears into a positive. The next time mum had to go back into the hospice there was no fear, instead she was looking forward to being there instead of in the hospital. The team of volunteers that give so freely of their time make a huge difference to the people staying there. Hospice Waikato is a free service for patients with terminal and life-limiting illnesses and their families. They support patients and their families and whānau so they can make the most of the time they have left together. Every little bit raised will help towards making their inspirational work possible.

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust, based in Whitianga, is a group of local volunteers who have all personally experienced cancer or have supported loved ones through their cancer journey. The group offers practical and emotional support to people with cancer and their families and understand the roller-coaster of emotions and experiences that come with a cancer diagnosis. They offer companionship, a listening ear and support so a regular carer can take a much needed break to look after themselves. Their volunteer team also provide practical help with housework, grocery shopping, cooking etc. They are there to support the whanau to function as normally as possible.

Coco Chanel once said “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life” let’s hope my hair cut changes some lives a little too.

Please help by giving whatever you can using the 'Give Now' button and if you can’t that’s alright too. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.