The room was filled with applause, encouragement, and emotionLisa with Janice Colebrooke after having her hair shaved off during the Senior Circuits Class at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre for Breast Cancer UK(Image: Lincs Inspire/GrimsbyLive)

It was an extraordinary moment of bravery and solidarity at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre last week when long-standing member Janice shaved her head in front of her weekly Senior Circuits class, all in support of Breast Cancer UK.

This year has been an incredibly difficult one for Janice’s family. Earlier in the year, their daughter Janine sadly received a devastating diagnosis: Stage 3 aggressive breast cancer. The news reached the family only a day after Janine had undergone major surgery, turning their world upside down.

Janine is going through chemotherapy and her hair is thinning, so to show support of her daughter, Janice chose to have her hair shaved. She hopes to raise as much money as she can.

For Janice, taking on challenges to help others is nothing new. In 2023 she completed a charity skydive to raise funds for BLESMA, a military charity supporting limbless veterans. BLESMA has been a tremendous support to her other daughter, Lisa, who served as an army medic for 18 years and underwent an above-the-knee amputation.

In the moments before the head shave, Janice shared her motivation: “Supporting Janine is what today is all about. We can’t fully understand what she’s going through, but she’s begun chemotherapy and is already losing her hair. I told her, ‘I’m going to join you!’

“I mentioned the idea to my friends at the leisure centre last week and they’ve been so supportive. That’s when I asked Lisa to come to my exercise class and shave my hair.

“I’ve gone for a full shave—not just a buzz cut! I’ve got my bobble hat ready! Janine is doing so well – she’s being so brave for all of us.”

Janice Colebrooke had her hair shaved off during the Senior Circuits Class at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre for Breast Cancer UK(Image: Lincs Inspire/GrimsbyLive)

Surrounded by her leisure centre friends, staff and family members, Janice sat proudly as Lisa took the clippers – having a bit of fun by shaping a mohawk before taking the rest of the hair off. The room was filled with applause, encouragement, and emotion. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the love shared among family and friends.

Janice’s courageous act was not only a tribute to Janine but a beacon of awareness and hope for everyone affected by breast cancer. Today, the leisure centre wasn’t just a place to exercise – it was a place of unity, compassion, and remarkable bravery.

Over £350 has been raised for the charity in just one week. And Janice has now set up a Just Giving page for anyone else who would like to contribute: www.justgiving.com/page/janice-colebrooke-1

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Breast Cancer UK is working to prevent breast cancer through education, scientific research, collaboration and policy change.