Hi, my name is Janey, and I’m braving the shave to raise money for my dear friend Danielle and her family.

Danielle has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Diffuse Type Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma of the stomach and is currently undergoing treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Her diagnosis has turned her world — and her family’s — completely upside down. I want to do everything I can to support them during this incredibly difficult time.

Danielle’s story

On Friday 30th May, Danielle woke up with severe stomach pain. She felt hot and flushed and then passed out. After calling 111, an ambulance was sent. Her observations were normal, and appendicitis was ruled out.

By Sunday 1st, Danielle still didn’t feel right, so she took herself to A&E. After assessments, she was told it was trapped wind. Before leaving, she asked for her bloods to be checked — those results showed she had sepsis.

Danielle was taken for further checks at surgical assessment, where colitis was suspected, and she was sent for a CT scan. After the scan, a doctor rushed in and told her she needed emergency surgery for a perforated stomach — a hole in her stomach that was leaking into her abdomen and poisoning her. This surgery was needed to save her life.

Until that moment, Danielle had no idea how serious her condition was. Suddenly, she was being fitted with a cannula, catheter, NG tube, and given morphine. Doctors later explained they weren’t confident performing the surgery due to the position of the perforation, so Danielle would need to be transferred to another hospital — though they didn’t yet know when or where.

At 2am, she was transferred by blue lights to another hospital, where surgery took place first thing in the morning. Seven hours later, the operation was complete, and her stomach was thankfully left intact. Biopsies were taken, but they were contaminated and couldn’t be used.

Over the following months, Danielle underwent two endoscopies, a pelvic scan, an ultrasound endoscopy, a laparoscopy, and multiple investigations — all initially showing benign results with no evidence of malignancy.

Five months later, the devastating diagnosis was finally confirmed:

Stage 4 Diffuse Type Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

A repeat CT scan has since confirmed peritoneal disease, though thankfully no other metastatic spread has been found.

How your donations will help

Danielle is self-employed, and this journey has brought immense financial strain alongside the physical and emotional toll. Missed work and reduced income, combined with costs that don’t stop — travel to Cambridge, hospital and hotel stays when driving isn’t possible, recovery needs, increased heating to manage chemo side effects, and everyday living expenses — have created overwhelming pressure.

Danielle is also a mum to two young daughters, aged 10 and 2. Despite everything, she is doing her absolute best to keep life feeling normal, safe, and secure for them. Being able to treat the girls, create moments of happiness, and make special memories without constant financial worry would mean more than words can express. These moments matter deeply during a time no family should ever have to face.

Why I’m braving the shave

To show my support, I’ve decided to brave the shave. By shaving my hair, I want to understand — even in a very small way — what Danielle may experience if she loses her hair through treatment. Hair is such a big part of our identity, and while I’m anxious and scared, it’s nothing compared to what Danielle faces every single day. This is my way of standing beside her — being brave together.

I plan to shave my hair down to a number 1 in October 2026 (after our family holiday). This gives time to raise as much money as possible, but if I reach a significant portion of my target sooner, I’ll do it earlier.

Since diagnosis Danielle has been signed up to a new trial which includes targeted therapy. This treatment is only available at Addenbrooke’s Hospital which is located in Cambridge. Fortunately Addenbrooke’s is in the top 5 NHS hospitals in the country and is the leading hospital in cancer trials in the UK.

Please consider donating if you’re able. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a real difference and help ease some of the pressure this family is under. Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and support.