'People are still fighting cancer': Northampton couple brave the shave to raise funds for charity

A Northampton couple have braved the shave in a bid to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

Ellie Hodder and her boyfriend Joe Fitzpatrick, from Spinney Hill, made the decision to do the challenge last weekend as they wanted to take on something new.

Just days after committing to the shave, thanks to the power of social media and donations from family and friends, the couple has already raised £700.

The duo is, however, keen to raise even more to help the cancer charity, as they have seen a number of family members battling the illness.

Ellie, who is 20 and works at St Luke’s Primary Care, said: “I’ve never really done anything like this and there is nothing to do at the moment so I wanted to take on some fundraising this year.

“My hair is also extremely dead as I have a habit of dying it, so it kills two birds with one stone.

“I have had quite a lot of family who have had cancer, so raising money for Cancer Research UK gave the challenge meaning too as every little helps.

“It’s really important for fundraising to continue. Just because this big thing is happening doesn’t mean everyone else’s illnesses stop.”

Yesterday (February 10), the couple both took the plunge and shaved their heads and are now rocking bald looks.

Ellie added: “I was nervous but because we had raised so much money we just needed to get it over with it.

“Plus the quicker we do it, the quicker it will grow back.

“I feel really good for doing it. I’m really proud of both of us as I feel like I have never done something big, so this is amazing for me.

“I wouldn’t say I’m used to having no hair though. I can’t leave it alone and I just keep playing with it.”

Ellie is also completing 100 squats a day for The Teenage Cancer Trust.

To sponsor the couple, visit their JustGiving page here.

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