It comes after Aundrea Bannatyne, a cluster manager for Cook’s Bangor and Newtownards stores in Northern Ireland, bravely gave permission to be filmed having her hair cut last week.
Mum-of-two Bannatyne, who was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in July last year, took the decision to post the video on Facebook after a new bout of chemotherapy began to make her hair fall out.
It has so far received more than half a million views and close friend Martin Maclaren, regional sales manager for Beachcomber Tours, who filmed the video, said it would help “keep Aundrea’s story in the spotlight”.
“It was the most emotional thing I’ve ever done,” said Maclaren. “She is such a brave and inspiring person and would do anything for anyone – she really deserves our help.”
Family, friends and colleagues are aiming to raise £200,000 (up from a previous target of £100,000) to help fund Bannatyne’s expensive ongoing treatment at the Hallwang Private Oncology Clinic in Germany.
It is hoped that treatment at the hospital can cure the travel consultant but after three trips, Maclaren said doctors have so far only been able to keep the illness “at bay”. Funds raised for Bannatyne will also go towards her chemotherapy in the UK.
He said Bannatyne is hoping to spend as much time as she can with sons Jack, aged 14, and James, 11, who himself was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour eight years ago and is now thankfully well.
Maclaren said that fundraisers, who work under the name Aundrea’s Army, had organised a string of events to generate cash over the coming months. They include nights out in Glasgow on March 30, for which tickets went on sale this week (and can be requested on the Aundrea’s Army Facebook page), and Belfast on April 22.
Maclaren said members of the group had also begun hosting regular meetings to discuss future fundraising activities. “We need to rally together and keep positive,” Maclaren added. “No matter how big or small, any donation is much appreciated.”
To donate, visit gofundme.com/2gtranmq
