A GREENFIELD girl has turned the tragic death of her great grandmother into a purposeful, life -changing experience…
Melissa McDermott, 20, gave up her job to help care for 87-year-old Kathleen Betts, who had bowel cancer and passed away in August.
Now, in her great gran’s memory, Melissa is to have her head shaved during a Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Saturday, September 27.
Melissa, who has already raised £300, said: “Gran was a private lady, she didn’t ask for anything but was always willing to help those who asked her.
“When she was diagnosed with cancer in June, I decided I wanted to be there to look after her. She had spent her whole life looking after everyone around her.
“I left work, left my friends and practically moved in with her. I stayed with her every night and through the day, only going home to shower and change.”
She added: “MacMillan nurses came to visit gran along with Marie Curie and district nurses. When I saw the wonderful things they did I decided I wanted to help out.
“I was discussing fundraising ideas with her one night when we came onto the subject of people shaving their hair.
“Gran didn’t think I would do this as I’d spent my whole life growing my hair. I’ve only ever had three haircuts as it didn’t grow very well.
“The idea was planted in my head and I decided to do it,” she explained. “Gran thought I was a little bit crazy for agreeing to it but she was ever so proud.”
Melissa’s mother, Kerry, 42, a care assistant, added: “I’m very proud of Melissa.
“She’s shocked everyone. She was a typical party girl but she gave it up. It’s changed our relationship.”
Melissa’s headshave will take place at 1pm at the coffee morning at the Satellite Centre in Greenfield, which will be run by the Saddleworth Youth Forum.
The event will include fun for all the family, cakes, coffee, live entertainment, face painting, nail painting, lucky dip, badge making and more.
Melissa, who is currently doing a trial period for a business administration level 3 apprenticeship at InXpress Couriers in Greenfield, added: “I’ll be letting people cut off pieces themselves.
“Then Jason Bradshaw, another of the youth workers from the centre, will be shaving it off evenly.”
To support Melissa, go to www.justgiving.com/Melissa-McDermott or find the ‘MACMILLAN WORLDS BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING’ on Facebook.
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