Meet Keeley

As part of her treatment she was offered the chance to use the scalp cooling machines at Lister Hospital. These systems are used to help prevent hair loss in certain patients undergoing chemotherapy. A 2017 research study showed that more than 50% of a group of breast cancer patients who received scalp cooling during their treatment kept most or all of their hair.

“I used scalp cooling whilst having chemotherapy. The pain as your scalp was cooled to minus 5 degrees for the first 15 minutes was excruciating, but once past the 15 mins the cap is fine, this enabled me to keep all of my hair – in actual fact it got thicker and darker! I would recommend scalp cooling to anyone that has to endure chemotherapy."

Women and men rate hair loss as one of the most distressing adverse effects of chemotherapy. Some patients prefer not to identify as ‘having cancer’ and the opportunity of keeping their hair means that they will be able to be more private about their treatment. By offering scalp cooling we are able to provide patients with the opportunity to regain some control and also encourage a positive attitude towards treatment. 

Keeley is so passionate about supporting others going through treatment that she and 10 friends took on the MoonWalk in London in May and have gone on to raise over £10,000, part of the funds raised from the fundraiser have gone towards funding the cold caps at Lister.

To continue her support she is organising a series of fundraising events including a music night and team mud run to support the Hospital Charity's appeal to fund 5 new scalp coolers at Mount Vernon.