Co Derry fitness instructor Anna Curley ready to ‘brave the shave’ in memory of her best friend Moya Lynch
A CO Derry fitness instructor is preparing to ‘brave the shave’ in memory of her lifelong best friend Moya Lynch who sadly died of cancer almost three years ago.
Anna Curley is putting aside her professional looking appearance as a personal trainers and fitness instructors to shave her hair and raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support.
She says she is her ‘shave’ in a very philosophical way.
“I’m not worrying about losing my hair for this event,” Anna told Belfast Live.
“I made the choice to do this and my hair will grow back but someone who is suffering from cancer and is going through treatment doesn’t have that choice and in some cases they didn’t get the chance to have their hair grow back again.
“A lot of people say to me that I’m mad doing this and that there are other ways of raising money but this is being done for a reason and it’s to raise awareness and raise money for Macmillan Cancer who do so much to help and support people with cancer and their families.”
Anna, has been in the fitness industry for the past 20 years, the last nine of which have been as an instructor in gyms and clubs in the Coleraine area and she has already received great support from her clients.
“I have been saying to most of my classes that I’m braving the shave and already quite a few have sponsored me and I’ve no doubt they will all get behind me before September2.
There is one person who has inspired Anna to take part in the shave and that is her best friend Moya.
The par lived and grew up together and remained best friends until she passed away on September 3, 2014.
“Moya and I were friends for 35 years,” added Anna.
“We were neighbours, we went to school together, we moved to London together, we did absolutely everything together.
“Moya was an amazing person, she was straight down the line,” continued Anna. “She told you how it was, no holes bared.
“Moya was warm, loving, great craic and an awesome person and you always knew where you stood with her.
“When she was diagnosed with cancer it was a devastating blow, I took it really, really hard.”
As the third anniversary of Moya’s passing drew closer and having heard the Macmillan ad calling for volunteers, Anna signed up to ‘Brave the Shave’.
“I heard on the radio they were looking for volunteers and I just thought right I’m doing that!” said the 48-year old.
“Moya’s husband and daughter and the rest of the family are 100% behind me. Moya was as mad, if not madder than me, so she would have approved of what I am doing.
“I had started out hoping to raise £200 but I’ve passed that so I’ve raised the total to £500 now. I would love to raise as much money as possible because this is a great charity who do so much for families and people with cancer.
“I also work in Johnston’s Bar in Coleraine and the night before I get my hair shaved off I will be going there and people can donate and get the chance to chop bits of my hair.
“The next day my daughter and myself will be going up to Belfast for the actual shave which will be taking place on the day before Moya’s anniversary at the Talking Heads Salon, Upper Dunmurry.
“I just hope lots of people dig deep for this great cause and that they keep their fingers crossed for me and my egg head!”
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