Rustington hairdresser raises money after cancer battle

Opening a new salon in Rustington is not only further evidence that Carol has made a full recovery after surgery for breast cancer seven years ago, she also wants to show her gratitude to those who helped her when she was ill, and other health professionals working in hospice care.

Carol, whose new venture, Serenity Hair, is in Churchill Parade, above the Cook food shop, is offering a free head shave to people undergoing chemotherapy, together with advice on wigs and headwear, to lessen the blow of losing their hair during treatment. She has a private room set aside for the purpose.

When Carol, 44, who lives in Rustington, was about to begin her own chemotherapy in January, 2005, she had her head shaved by celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford, together with staff at Rustington’s Summerlea Primary School, to raise funds for the chemotherapy unit at Worthing Hospital.

She said: “One of the worst things is when your hair starts falling out, especially if you have longer hair. The trauma of your hair coming out in your hand only adds to what you are going through with the treatment.

“I will also be giving people advice and discounted cuts when their hair is growing back again. A lot of people don’t realise that their hair may be quite different when it grows again. If they had straight hair, it may be curly, and vice-versa. So they may have to cope with having a different head of hair, on top of everything else they are coping with.

“I won’t charge people full price if they come in when their hair is just starting to grow again, if all it needs is sorting out round the neck and a trim round the ears.”

Carol, who has been in the hair industry, including training roles, all her working life, is also offering a discount to staff of St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House hospices in recognition of their “fantastic work”, as well as other health and public sector workers.

She said: “I volunteered at St Barnabas when I was getting over my cancer, and used to cut patients’ hair. The staff are wonderful, helping people at the end of their lives with such dignity. This is a way of giving back for the care and treatment that I have received.”

Her salon’s name comes from her favourite prayer, the “Serenity Prayer”, which begins: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

Overcoming cancer, says Carol, who has a daughter, Georgia, aged 13, has given her a new outlook on life. “I don’t sweat over the small stuff so much.

“My dad died in July, and it was another reminder that you have to get on with it, move on and enjoy every year.”

Tomorrow (Friday), Carol is holding an open house with cocktails and cup cakes at the salon, from 4-8pm.