Bald fund-raiser is tribute to mate

BRAVE Kayleigh Groom proved she could make the cut after she had her head shaved in memory of one of her closest pals.

The 16-year-old did not hesitate to make the first chop into her brown locks in a bid to raise money for the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM).

Kayleigh organised the fundraiser in honour of her friend Abigail Taylor-Silk, who died of Hodgkins lymphoma six years ago at the age of 14.

Boyfriend Laurence Care took over the rest as friends and family, including Abigail’s mum Denise, looked on at the Iron Horse pub in Wroughton.

Abigail, who appeared in the Adver as the community rallied to try to send her on her dream holiday, was a popular former-Ridgeway School student and died when Kayleigh was only 11.

A committee called Smile was set up to raise money for the tragic teen to swim with dolphins, but she was too unwell to fly to Florida and went to EuroDisney instead.

So far Kayleigh, who is to return to Ridgeway School to study her A-levels, has raised £600.

She said: “It feels really strange - it was a bit of a shock seeing it in the mirror.

“If Abigail could see me now she would probably think I was an idiot. Seeing my mum and Denise crying was quite an emotional moment.

“I’ve raised around £600 and I wanted to raise a bit more but I think the charity is quite small so hopefully it will help.

“I wanted to do it for ages and people said I was mad. I have to go back to school in September and I think my mates will be a bit shocked to see me with no hair.”

Mum Lesley Groom said she was proud of her daughter for braving the razor.

She said: “I’m chuffed to bits - I’m so, so proud of her and it’s a nice tribute to Abigail.

“There are not many 16-year-olds who would do something like that but it’s fantastic. I think it suits her.”

Denise, who could not hold back the tears as she watched, said: “I’m just so proud of her and hopefully the money will help other children.”

CALM is an independent local charity helping families within the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust who have or had children suffering with cancer or leukaemia.

Donations can be made to Kayleigh’s cause at http://www.justgiving.com/Abigail-Taylor--Silk