Media Release

Chloe’s fundraising show of support for cancer-stricken Nanna

When Chloe Richardson’s grandmother had to have her hair shorn as part of cancer treatment here, the 12-year-old wanted to do all she could to show her support.

So the Snettisham youngster immediately pledged to have her hair cut short as a fundraiser for the hospital.

Her initial target of £250 was reached within two days and now £1,000 is a possibility.

Chloe Richardson
Chloe Richardson and (top) with her grandmother, Liz Horspole

Chloe has since decided to make the sponsored haircut part of a bigger event so it will be done at the end of a coffee morning and raffle on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7.

Snettisham Royal British Legion has waived the hire fee for its hall in School Road to enable the youngster to make as much money as possible for QEH’s Shouldham Ward and Chemotherapy Room charitable funds.

Liz Horspole, 58, and also from Snettisham, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in January soon after finding a lump under her arm, but has been heartened by her granddaughter’s efforts.

Chloe’s proud mum, Sam Rix, said: “When Mum was diagnosed, we sat Chloe down and told her that Nanna was going to lose her hair through the treatment.

“Chloe said she couldn’t do anything to help mum so this was a way she could help other people in future. She also wanted to lose her hair too, for moral support for mum.

“Chloe’s organised everything herself. Just to have the haircut is a big deal for someone her age. She’s a quiet child but if she wants to do something, she will do it.”

Staff and pupils at Snettisham Primary School, where Chloe attended until last summer, and her current school – Smithdon High in Hunstanton – have pledged support, as have colleagues of Chloe’s at Pelicans Hockey Club in King’s Lynn, Snettisham Cricket Club and Sandringham Church Choir.

Chloe wrote on her JustGiving page: “Cancer is unfortunately something that most of us will be affected by, it may be a family member or friend. It really is important we help with however much you can afford to help with resources, care and treatment locally.”

The coffee morning (10am-1pm) will include the opportunity to have a professional facial treatment by Lucy Yates. The cut is being done free of charge by hairdresser Mel Stockmeier.

The Princess Trust, which makes real-hair wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment, will also benefit with the hair from Chloe’s chop.

She has sponsorship forms to support our chemotherapy room and an online JustGiving page for donations to Shouldham Ward fundraising. Visit www.justgiving.com/unicornchop.

Chloe would welcome further donations and is writing to businesses to ask for raffle prizes.

ENDS

To download the press release and images click here.