THE REV Jo Reid has dyed her hair pink after her mother Jan was diagnosed with breast cancer diagnosis at the end of August. 

The 51-year-old, who leads the congregation in Collingbourne Ducis, coloured her hair on October 15 and plans to keep the style for three weeks. Her efforts come during breast cancer awareness month as part of the Wear it Pink campaign, and has already raised £1,715.

Rev Reid said: “When my mother got diagnosed it was a scary few weeks for the family. It was difficult to process for us and her and I thought I have to do something. We have got to do more about this. 
“I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone. I blurted out one day ‘what if I dye my hair pink’. 

"My hairdresser, Chelsea of Enhance Hair & Beauty at Ludgershall said she would do it for free, which was so kind. But I’ve never dyed my hair before, so it was scary. I always said I would go grey naturally with age. 

“I couldn’t expect my congregation to dip their hands in their pockets and just wear a pink t-shirt. 

“When they coloured it, they had to bleach it, so it went ginger which was a shock to the system. A lot of people say how much it suits me and makes me look younger, but my plan is to let it grow out and go back to my natural dark brown."

Rev Reid’s Mum had her operation to remove the lump yesterday (Oct 22) and she is hoping to be discharged this week, but early diagnosis has meant that the prognosis is looking good.

“She is waiting for it all to heal before she starts treatment of radiotherapy soon. We will have a difficult few months with bumps in the road, but hopefully it should all be well for the new year.”

“I’ve had an astonishing response and smashed my target of £1,000 by raising £1,715. I might do something else, but this was very personal and close to home which is why I wanted to do it. All my friends and congregation have been extremely supportive and generous.”

If you want to support go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/revjopink