Katrina Chilver
A Leicester Mum is preparing to shave her head on Thursday, October 23 to raise money for the charity that have helped change her daughter’s life.
Rachel Hobson, 37, of Middlefield Lane, Hinckley has been fundraising for the Breakaway Foundation and will be donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust.
Mrs Hobson said: “Breakaway helped us a lot, my daughter has had chronic constipation and bowel problems from the day she was born.
“She has really suffered for her whole life.”
The Breakaway Foundation offers residential activity breaks for children with bowel or bladder problems.
Rachel’s daughter Sarah, 12, was offered an operation to insert a tube into the surface of her body to allow her to flush out her bowels.
Mrs Hobson added: “We were sceptical of how it would change her life and we went to a Breakaway information day and the children there were happy to show off their tubes.
“They were so laid back about it so we decided to have it done.”
The Breakaway Foundation is the only UK wide charity that offers support to children with bowel or bladder problems and their families.
Mrs Hobson said: “We have had two weekends away with Breakaway and they are just brilliant.
“They do all sorts of activities, including canoeing and rock climbing, my daughter’s confidence has grown so much because of them.”
It costs £165 per person to fund the activity weekends and Breakaway relies on volunteers and donations.
Mrs Hobson added: “It would be so nice to give something back to them and if we can raise enough money for another family to have experiences like we have had then I will be very happy.”
Rachel is aiming to raise £500 for the charity and has already received nearly £300 worth of donations on her just giving page.
Sarah, who goes to Redmoor Academy has also been selling loom bands at school and will sell more at the charity coffee morning and craft stall next Thursday, October 23 where Rachel will be shaving her head.
Mrs Hobson is apprehensive about her upcoming haircut, she said: “I am quite nervous now but I am still looking forward to doing it because I know it is for such a good cause.”
To sponsor Rachel, visit her Just Giving page at justgiving.com/rachel-hobson1 and for more information on the Breakaway Foundation, visit breakawayfoundation.org.uk.