Mansfield teachers raise over £3,000 with headshave in memory of 'well-loved' mum

“Vibrant and well-loved” Clare Grady-Lennon, from Mansfield, died from melonoma, a type of skin cancer just before Christmas.

She was mum to Caitlin, 11, and six-year-old twins Ciaran and Shay, all pupils at St Philip Neri with St Bede Catholic Voluntary Academy in Mansfield.

To remember Clare, the school’s deputy head Paula McCay and assistant head Nik Shivley, took part in a ‘No Hair, Don’t Care!’ sponsored head-shave on January 21.

And they have raised over £3,000 – which will go to the PICS (Primary Integrated Community Services) palliative care team.

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

Year six teacher Grace Mellor teacher said: “The headshave was absolutely amazing. The ladies have to date raised nearly £3,150, from an original target of just £250!”

Nik Shivley 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.

"Clare was a vibrant and well-loved mum 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 has also supported several members of staff, adding to its significance to our community.”

Joanne Egbury, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Palliative Care Team, at PICS said: “It is incredibly heart-warming and overwhelming to see how the community has come together for the Grady-Lennon family, at what I know is an incredibly difficult time for them.

“On behalf of the PICS team and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so very much to Paula and Nik for their ‘no hair, don’t care’ fundraising event and to all those who have shown support.

“Myself and my colleagues have continued to work throughout the pandemic, providing the best specialist palliative care service we can to the people who need us. Your support means so much to us and makes all the difference.

“Clare was an absolute pleasure to know and look after. She has had an impact on a lot of people, myself included, and I will never forget her.”

To donate see: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nohairdontcare.

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