A close shave helps Suthrough brain surgery

Su works as an Aquafit instructor at the leisure centres in Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath and had her head shaved with them, in preparation for her operation, which took place at Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre.

Su is now recovering at home and is full of praise for the 12 friends, relatives and colleagues who went under the clippers in a demonstration of their admiration and support for her.

The sponsored shave at The Triangle leisure centre on February 3 raised more than £1,000 for the neurological centre, which is based in Haywards Heath.

In the run-up to her operation, Su’s husband Reg and son-in-law Adam were determined not to let her go through such an emotional and difficult experience alone and they were by her side at the head shave. Mobile hairdressers Charlotte and Louise Seward offered their services free of charge.

Su is a familiar face at The Triangle, having worked there for several years. She used to attend Aquafit classes there and liked them so much she trained as an instructor and now teaches at both The Triangle and The Dolphin leisure centre in Haywards Heath.

Su said: “I am deeply touched by the help and encouragement I have had at work and home and the fact that so many people had their heads shaved alongside me was absolutely humbling.

“Many more people came along to watch and donate money to Hurstwood Park and I am very moved by this show of support.”

Stuart Smith, Freedom Leisure’s general manager at The Triangle, said: “Su showed characteristic strength and good humour as she faced her operation and it was our pleasure to support her.”

Fitness manager Andy Jarman and several lifeguards were among the colleagues who went under the clippers.