Brave hair-o Meg creates real buzz

A DISABLED teenager who was born with a genetic condition has faced her latest challenge — having her head shaved.

Megan Sykes, of Partridge Way, Chadderton, decided to have the chop in aid of the charity Stand up to Cancer — and has raised a staggering £2,500 so far.

The 19-year-old has the severest form of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and was born with tumours in her brain, which have left her blind in one eye and partially sighted in the other.

When she was three, the tumours caused her to suffer a brain haemorrhage, bleed on the brain and a stoke. She also has spinal problems and has had an operation to break her spine and insert a rod.

Surgeons are unable to carry out a biopsy on Megan’s tumours because of their position, so it is not known if they are cancerous or benign. Doctors also do not know how fast they will grow.

Megan, who has learning difficulties, attends basic skills courses at Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale, and was a pupil at New Bridge Learning Centre, Fitton Hill.

Proud dad David described her as “bubbly” and said: “She is full of life, full of fun, and she loves practical jokes. Everybody loves her and she thinks of others before herself.”

Megan’s head shave took place at the Hunt Lane Tavern, Chadderton. She wore a special bright pink T-shirt with “Meg says . . . bog off cancer” printed on it.

As for her new hairstyle, David added: “She loves it. She was going to wear a wig, but she doesn’t want to now because it really suits her.

“She looks fantastic and we are all really proud of her. I think she is going to continue to raise money for charity.”