Forth Valley cancer patients who have lost their hair through chemotherapy are getting a helping hand from big hearted folk in the Grangemouth area. A Feel Good scheme has been set up to supply free recycled wigs together with mini-make over sessions from a member of staff at Boots the chemist who can also advise on skin care and make-up. In addition, local people and businesses have also been making cakes and sandwiches to help raise money.

The project is the brainchild of Jill Lauder, the owner of Lady J’s unisex hair salon in Dundas Street and is backed by Macmillan Cancer Support. She is appealing for anyone who has a wig they no longer use, to hand it in for washing and re-styling, a task which can take her up to 45 minutes. Jill is open on the first Monday of every month for patients from across Forth Valley to come along and have a wig fitted. This is in addition to the NHS wig service.

Jill explained: “We need wigs in lots of different styles and this project has created a whole new community spirit. I’ve lost too many friends to cancer, and this is my way of giving something back. Everyone seems too busy these days to stop and think about those less fortunate. We are running the project with the support of NHS Forth Valley’s Macmillan One-to-One service and our aim is to make women feel better at what can be a very challenging time in their lives. “

NHS Forth Valley Nurse Consultant for Cancer and Palliative Care, Sandra Campbell added: “Every patient is supplied with a wig through the NHS but sometimes people can be looking for something for a special occasion such as a party, a wedding or a day out. This is a perfect service – not only do ladies benefit from a relaxed styling session but they also get the equivalent of a new hair style can work wonders for their confidence and wellbeing.”

Those taking part in the project, which includes staff at the Feel Good fitness centre in Grangemouth, have recently raised around £900 for the NHS Forth Valley Macmillan-One to-One endowment fund.

Pictured with some of the cash raised is Feel Good’s Shirley Wyper. She was joined at the handover by (left to right) Linda Mackintosh Macmillan Healthcare Support Worker, Jill Lauder, Lady J’s hair salon, Macmillan Community Care Nurse Margaret Ferguson and NHS Forth Valley Nurse Consultant for Cancer and Palliative Care, Sandra Campbell.