Notts woman braves the shave after rare cancer diagnosis

Two years ago Sharon Coupe went for an eye test, where opticians spotted a tumour that had attached itself to her retina.

Her diagnosis was fast-tracked and she quickly discovered she had a rare form of cancer, neuroendocrine carcinoma tumours, commonly known as NETs, and received the devastating news that her tumours were stage four and now incurable and inoperable.

After doctors explained she had tumours in her hips, pelvis, spine, neck and wrists, Sharon embarked on a daily treatment regime for her condition and decided to raise money to help others in her situation.

The 52-year-old explains: “My diagnosis was really quick and I was really shocked after just thinking something was wrong with my eye.

"I knew almost immediately I wanted to raise money for charity and give me something to focus on.

"Obviously the pandemic has meant we had to wait a while, but our head shave finally went ahead on Saturday night at the Dukeries Lodge in Edwinstowe. ”

The money is expected to reach more than £1,000 and will go to John Eastwood Hospice, where Sharon has received treatment from the palliative team.

Sharon, her son Connor Murphy and her 78-year-old mother Christine Coupe all braved the shave on the night, with brother-in-laws Simon, Mick and friend Sara all volunteering at the last minute too.

Sharon said of the night: “It went amazingly, everyone laughed and said how great the night was, and thanks must go to landlord John for allowing the event to take place in his pub.

"I’m so grateful to Cathie Price for standing the tombola stall all night, Karen Kosianowski for selling envelopes and Lynn, Claire and Chloe for sorting the raffle.

“Also special thanks to the hairdressers Stuart Currie-McHale, Cathie Price and Rachael Meakin for giving up their time to come along.

"It was a fantastic night.”

Liz Coupe and Megan Bradley Coupe, Sharon’s sister and niece said: “We are so proud of our family, especially Sharon, she has gone through so much since being diagnosed with cancer.

“She has had to stay over in hospitals so many times and even tonight she was discharged from the Western Park Hospital at 4pm having been admitted the morning before because she was in so much pain.

"We’re so proud of her for making it to the event despite feeling so unwell.”

Friend Claire Jessop said: “Sharon had the microphone at the end of the raffle and she made a lovely speech about how much support she had had and for everyone that had turned up tonight.

"She gave special thanks to her eldest son Connor and her mother for braving the shave with her and thanked her youngest son Aaron for all the help and support he has given and how much both boys have given up for their mum.

"They are truly a strong family and you can see there’s so much love between them.”

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