There were emotional scenes at a Burnham-On-Sea teenager’s fundraising head shave on Saturday (January 10th) when the cousin he’s helping made a surprise visit from her hospital bed.
Lauren Tandy, 17, right, is currently receiving treatment for cancer at Bristol Children’s Hospital but wanted to show her support for her cousin James, 18, who is raising funds for the hospital’s Gromit Grand Appeal.
As a special surprise on her 17th birthday, Lauren was driven by ambulance from Bristol to watch the fundraiser in Highbridge.
There were emotional scenes when she arrived in her wheelchair in Asda’s foyer as delighted James ran over to give her a tearful hug.
A crowd of James’ family, friends and supporters attended the fundraiser in the foyer at Asda to watch Burnham barber Mike Lowe from Hair Of The Dog don the clippers to shave off his hair.
James told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was a wonderful surprise that Lauren could be there – it made the event so special.”
“I am astonished to have raised £3,000 in donations from generous friends, family and supporters – I did not expect to receive even half of that and thank everyone so much.”
Shel Tandy, his mother, added: “I am very proud of what James has done. He wanted to do something special to raise money for the hospital and we are all very grateful to everyone who has donated. It was made extra special by having Lauren there too to watch.”
James’ sponsorship page continues to be online here, where he has received dozens of donations.
Lauren watched the fundraiser on her 17th birthday from her wheelchair
Barber Mike Lowe starting the job of shaving James’ hair during the fundraiser
James gave Lauren a vey special hug at the end of Saturday’s head shave
Family, friends and the team at Asda gave their support
James had strong backing from family and friends for the event who have given over £3,000
