Isobel Pooley to 'brave the shave' for charity
After the disappointment of missing the chance to compete at the Rio Olympic Games through injury, British high jumper Isobel Pooley has switched her focus to charity fundraising and on Monday (August 29) the 23-year-old will shave her head to raise money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Getting involved with the cancer charity's 'Brave The Shave' event, the Commonwealth high jump silver medallist will have her head shaved at the Farnham Community Games in Surrey and has so far raised almost half of her £1000 target.
"I am braving the shave to raise funds and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support so that people with cancer and their families can get more of the help that they deserve," said Pooley, who sustained an ankle injury ahead of the British Championships in June.
"I am also using it to challenge myself and explore common perceptions of beauty," added the Aldershot, Farnham & District athlete. "I want to show that it really doesn't matter what's on the outside, it's what a person achieves and how they behave which really counts.
"I'm lucky to be healthy and I know my shoulder-length hair will grow back within a few years' time. Others aren't so lucky. The hair from the shave will go to the Little Princess Trust to make wigs for girls and boys with cancer.
"Athletes sometimes get caught up with performance and take it for granted that their general health supports a great quality of life. It's really humbling to realise that some people are struggling to cling to life while we are striving for top-class sports performance!"
Pooley's fundraising page can be found at bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/isobel-pooley.
