Kia ‘Braves the Shave’ for Charity

East Sussex College Hastings student, Kia Beale, had her head shaved for charity in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and has already raised over £600!

Catering student, Kia, has managed to raise over £600 for charity so far after having her head shaved and hosting a bake sale in the Atrium at Hastings’ Station Plaza campus this week.

Alongside having her head shaved for charity, Kia’s group from her Catering course baked cookies, cupcakes and brownies and sold them in the atrium to raise money.

Speaking to the College about the motivation behind her fundraising for Macmillan, Kia said, “This is something I've wanted to do for years and now felt like the right time. Cancer is one of those things that affects so many people and those close to them. And if I'm able to raise just some money for such a good cause knowing it might help ease someone's worries or pain that means the world to me. I'm very thankful to everybody who has donated so far.

“When I was around three and then again at eight someone very dear to me sadly got diagnosed with cancer twice and he fought like a true warrior and is thankfully still here with us today. He is truly my biggest inspiration and I look up to him everyday and he is very much the reason I'm doing this. Being eight years old at the time I didn't really understand the severity of the diagnosis but he always kept such a brave face for us all and smiled all the time. I love him so dearly.”

Kia added, “In 2020, when I was 15, another close family member was diagnosed with cancer, and the feeling of dread and uncertainty all came back but like the saint she is, she never let it get her down and she showed cancer who was boss. Amazingly two years later she is completely cancer free, these two warriors are the strongest people I know and I love them both so much.”

Speaking on how it felt to get her head shaved for charity, Kia said, “The [‘Brave the Shave’] experience was thrilling, it's for such an amazing charity that does life changing work so it made it all worth it. I'd very happily do it again or anything else to raise money for charity.”

“The bake sale went fantastic, my entire class made some delicious cakes that were sold, raising £125.”

Kia added, “It feels incredible to know I may have made a positive impact in somebody's life, cancer is such a tough thing to go through and Macmillan help as much as they can in every way possible. I love helping others and doing whatever I can.”

If you’d like to donate and support Kia’s efforts in raising money for Macmillan nurses, please visit: bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/kia-beale