Minister’s bald move

By Jackie MacKenzie

Published: 22 February, 2007

A REAL life Vicar of Dibley had her head shaved this week to show solidarity with her daughter who has cancer and to raise cash for other sufferers.

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Alison Grainger (49), the Church of Scotland minister in Avoch, Fortrose and Rosemarkie, went under the clippers on Tuesday evening in a bid to raise funds for CLIC Sargent, the children’s cancer charity that is supporting her family.

In November 2006, Alison’s seven-year-old daughter Sarah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Since then, Sarah has undergone regular treatment at Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow and Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, and the family has made good use of the CLIC Sargent services available to them.

Alison said: “Sarah doesn't have a lot of hair as a result of her treatment and she said she didn’t want to be the only bald one in the family.

“ I decided to have my head shaved to show support and to raise some money.

“Sarah’s treatment has been quite intensive, spending weeks on end in hospital.

“Thankfully, CLIC Sargent has a Home from Home near the hospital which we were able to stay in for free.

“This meant Sarah’s brothers and sisters could come and visit her, as could her grandparents – and this has increased their understanding of what has been happening.

“I don’t know what we would have done without CLIC Sargent,” Alison added.

Rev Grainger with her daughter Sarah after going bald. Bobby Nelson 01349 854126

“It was difficult enough to get our heads around the initial diagnosis, but then there were a whole host of other things to worry about, such as who was going to look after the children while Sarah and I were in hospital.

“The CLIC Sargent social workers have also been fantastic with advice and help and I can’t thank them enough.

“My family has also had wonderful support from the church and the local community.

“There is still along way to go but we are confident we will get through this.”

On Tuesday, Alison – together with six boys from the local youth group – took part in a sponsored head shave in order to help raise funds for CLIC Sargent.

The group also sold pancakes from the church in Fortrose to boost funds further.

Alison said: “I don’t know what people would do without CLIC Sargent.

“They have made a huge difference to our family and to lots of other families that are affected by childhood cancer or leukaemia.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so by contacting Alison on (01381) 620068.