Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 25 April 2024 at 07:42
One of our Hertfordshire paramedics will be shaving his head this weekend for a friend and charity very close to him.
Paramedic Sam Harrison will be braving the shave to raise money for the charity Scope, a disability charity working with disabled people in England and Wales this Saturday (29th April). Scope has hugely supported Sam’s friend Natasha, especially through raising awareness of her condition – mast call activation syndrome (MCAS).
Sam, who has been a paramedic with EEAST for over a year, first met Natasha whilst volunteering for St. John Ambulance four years ago:
“MCAS is a rare, life threatening immunological disorder, which affects Natasha’s mast cells, a type of white blood cell. These cells normally help protect you from disease, however, in people like Natasha the release of those chemicals can happen for no real reason, even when there is no attack. And if there is an attack, the release is out-of-proportion and too many chemicals are spilled out. This in effect causes Natasha to have allergic reactions to many things, including exercise, as well as chronic symptoms daily.
“One of these symptoms is hair loss, so I decided what better way to support Natasha and fundraise for this amazing charity, by shaving my head!”
And how did Natasha react to Sam’s news?
“Natasha’s reaction was anaphylactic! No all jokes aside, she was overwhelmed with love, and very grateful. Also very excited to have matching bald heads!! She is going to be doing the shaving of my head! She is an amazing person and I am constantly amazed at her positive outlook.”
Sam’s head shave, which will be taking place at Natasha’s home in Warrington, will hopefully be streamed live on Natasha’s Facebook page, so keep your eyes peeled on Saturday at 11am. You can also check Sam’s progress on Twitter by following @samdharrison. If you would like to make a donation, please visit Sam’s Justgiving page. Also if you would like to see Natasha’s inspiring video visit www.natashacoates.co.uk.
Published 27th April, 2017