Two inspiring women from Salford have raised more than £3,000 after braving the shave for Bolton’s Breast Cancer Unit.

Gemma Fish from Little Hulton decided to brave the shave to “take control of her life” after her breast cancer diagnosis in February 2023.

Alice O’Donnell (left) and Gemma Fish (right) before the big moment. Pictures by Lindsey Caldwell

Since shaving her hair off at Liberty’s Hair Design salon in Walkden, Gemma said: “I feel like I’ve just re-started my life with this shave, I feel like myself again.”

Gemma braved the shave along-side her good friend Alice O’ Donnell who jumped at the opportunity to help out. Gemma said that she “didn’t even have to ask” Alice to get involved.

Gemma mid-cut. Pictures by Lindsey Caldwell

Alice commented: “Gemma’s just been so brave and positive all the way through it and I’ve not been able to be as helpful practically as I’d like to.

“So this just seemed like something I could do to join in with her and experience the journey that she’s been on.”

Gemma’s Just Giving page only started with a £250 goal, but after the “phenomenal” support she received from her friends and the Salford community, the goal has been reset to £5,000.

Pictured left, Gemma Fish, right, Alice O’Donnell. Pictures by Lindsey Caldwel

Gemma commented: “Obviously because money is so tight with the cost of living crisis I just didn’t want to put pressure on people to raise so much money, but we’ve just smashed every goal since.”

Since her diagnosis the support Gemma has received from the Bolton Breast Care service at Bolton Hospital has been “simply the best” which is why she “always wants to give something back”.

If you’d like to donate visit Gemma’s Just Giving page.

“I feel like myself again” - Two Manchester 'besties’ brave the shave for Bolton’s Breast Cancer Unit