Mansfield teachers in headshave for 'brave, strong mum' who died of cancer

By Dale Spridgeon
Published 21st Jan 2021, 13:59 BST
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Two Mansfield teachers are shaving their heads in memory of a ‘brave, strong mum’ who died of cancer in a bid to raise funds and make her children smile.

Clare Grady-Lennon, from Mansfield, died from melonoma, a type of skin cancer just before Christmas.

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She was known as a ‘vibrant and well-loved’ mum to her children Caitlin, 11, and six-year-old twins Ciaran and Shay, all pupils at St Philip Neri with St Bede Catholic Voluntary Academy in Mansfield.

In Clare’s memory the school’s deputy head Paula McCay and assistant head Nik Shivley will be shaving their heads in a fun ‘No Hair, Don’t Care!’ stunt, on January 21.The teachers are shaving their own hair due to Covid 19 restrictions in the hall at 2.30pm, and it will be broadcast to the school community.

Nik Shivley in 'no hair, don't care' head shave at St Philip Neri with St Bedes Catholic Voluntary AcademyNik Shivley in 'no hair, don't care' head shave at St Philip Neri with St Bedes Catholic Voluntary Academy
Nik Shivley in 'no hair, don't care' head shave at St Philip Neri with St Bedes Catholic Voluntary Academy

Nik said: “I am so lucky to be teaching Caitlin - working with the family has taught me how a family can survive the most heart-breaking, life-changing time with strength, determination, humour and courage.

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"Clare was so brave and strong in her long fight against cancer, she talked candidly about how she wanted her children to get on with school and do well; not to let cancer take over their childhood.

"I have a lot of fun teaching her daughter who is the right mix of hard-working and mischievous. I hear – just like her mum. I enjoy hearing about Clare through her daughter. I’m humbled with how they continue with a smile on their faces. So, I’m going to shave my head! It’ll be fun; just sharing the idea made Caitlin laugh, that made it worth it!”

Top Nik Shivley, below, Paula McCay from St Philip Neri with St Bede Catholic Voluntary Academy in Mansfield and right Clare Grady-Lennon, with husband Matt, and children Caitlin, Ciaran and Shay.Top Nik Shivley, below, Paula McCay from St Philip Neri with St Bede Catholic Voluntary Academy in Mansfield and right Clare Grady-Lennon, with husband Matt, and children Caitlin, Ciaran and Shay.
Top Nik Shivley, below, Paula McCay from St Philip Neri with St Bede Catholic Voluntary Academy in Mansfield and right Clare Grady-Lennon, with husband Matt, and children Caitlin, Ciaran and Shay.

Money raised will go to the PICS (Primary Integrated Community Services) palliative care team. The school has already raised £1,000 but is seeking more donations.

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Year six teacher Grace Mellor said: “Clare was a vibrant and well-loved mother to three young children at our school. We wanted to remember her but also support the PICS team which helped Clare and the family at their most difficult of times. It also supported several members of staff, adding to its significance to our community.

"I am in awe at my colleagues doing this! Mrs McCay has a beautiful, brunette bob, and Mrs Shivley is known for her interesting hair cuts."

Donate at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nohairdontcare.

Related topics:Mansfield