MORE than 100 members of a Co Down community have shaved their heads in support of their relative and friend undergoing treatment for cancer.
Family and friends of Stephen Cunningham (35) from Kilkeel have come together to show their support for him and to "give something back" to the charity helping him in his cancer battle.
Mr Cunningham was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in January and his treatment requires long stays in hospital, including eight weeks for the initial chemotherapy.
The coronavirus pandemic has also meant family contact is not possible for Mr Cunningham as he awaits his third treatment, but throughout his journey he has been supported by the Friends of the Cancer Centre.
In a bid to thank the charity, Mr Cunningham's family launched a fundraising challenge and over the last month, 107 people have shaved their heads, raising £11,804.
His sister Emma-Louise said the family had been left devastated when they received the news he had leukaemia.
"This has been a huge shock to the family and the current situation with Covid-19 means that family contact is not possible at the moment, which has been incredibly difficult, but staff in the Cancer Centre have made things a little easier for us all," she said.
"They all went absolutely above and beyond to make sure he had the support he needed when he needed it most.
"The family have been able to keep in touch by phone and video-calls, but the staff and patients on the ward with Stephen have been a great help in keeping spirits up."
She said they wanted to support the Friends of the Cancer Centre, a charity "close to her brother's heart".
"I decided to set up the fundraiser on a Friday morning as I was feeling a little down with the whole Covid-19 pandemic and not being able to see Stephen in person," she said.
"I wanted to do something positive.
"I am overwhelmed by the support from friends, family and the public and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has taken part and all those who have donated, as your support will go on to help Stephen and so many others."
Ana Wilkinson from the Friends of the Cancer Centre said: "I know that Stephen and Emma-Louise have been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and I’d like to thank everyone who shaved their head for their support, as well as everyone who made a donation and sponsored them.
"It is thanks to people like Stephen, Emma-Louise and their friends and family that we will be able to support even more families across Northern Ireland."
To support the fundraiser, please visit www.gofundme.com/f/bk4db-braved-the-shave
