Hair and Beauty lecturer gives back to Cancer Hair Care charity with fundraiser

Emma Williams, a Hair and Beauty lecturer at Coleg Sir Gâr, has been raising awareness and money for Cancer Hair Care UK, a charity providing free services to individuals undergoing chemotherapy across Wales and England. To date, Emma has raised an impressive £490, contributing to the vital support the charity offers to cancer patients.

Cancer Hair Care UK, originally established in England, has recently expanded its services to Wales. The charity offers a wide range of free support including wig banks where people donate wigs for free distribution to clients. 

These wigs are fitted and styled during consultations, giving clients confidence and comfort. The charity also offers advice on cold cap therapy, care baskets for patients and training on wig cutting, hair colouring and managing the various stages of hair loss and regrowth.

Emma’s connection to the charity is deeply personal. Her mother’s battle with cancer and resulting hair loss motivated Emma to seek out support services, which led her to discover Cancer Hair Care UK. After completing an online course with the charity, Emma’s passion and expertise caught the attention of the charity’s founder, Jasmin, who then personally spoke and trained Emma to work directly with clients.

Emma will soon be volunteering at three local hospitals, fitting wigs and offering hair colouring and cutting services for patients undergoing treatment. 

To involve students and raise additional funds, Emma organised a “Wig Walk” along the Llanelli coastal path. Sixty learners participated, donning brightly coloured wigs to show their support. Each student donated £2, with the walk culminating in a celebration over tea, coffee and cake.

Looking ahead, Emma plans to incorporate her charity work into her teaching. Once the college salon begins hosting wig consultations, she will train her students in wig fitting and styling. These sessions will provide hands-on experience, allowing students to participate in pamper events while learning the importance of empathy and client care. 

Emma sees this as an invaluable opportunity for students to build professional skills, gain experience and establish meaningful relationships with clients. 

Through her dedication, Emma not only uplifts cancer patients but also inspires her students to use their talents for a greater purpose, embodying the spirit of compassion and community within the hair and beauty industry.