Date published: 14 July 2017

Three paramedics based in Derby have had their heads shaved to raise money for a colleague's son who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Sam Varnam, 16 was diagnosed with an olfactory neuroblastoma earlier this year – a very rare and cancerous tumour.

Sam has already had nine lots of chemotherapy and is due to undergo surgery and radiotherapy, but he has battled on throughout his treatment, completing all his GCSEs and going to Army cadets when he can.

As Sam is the son of Paramedic Rita Varnam, her colleagues vowed to help her raise £1,000 to help cover the costs of his cancer treatment.

Sam Varnam .png


Caroline Scott, Luther Homewood and Mark Stafford, all paramedics based at Kingsway Training Centre, took part in a sponsored headshave on Friday to raise the extra funds.

Caroline said: “I was a bit nervous beforehand, but it is for a good cause.

“Sam has been amazing through all his treatment – although people think we are brave for having our heads shaved, it is nothing compared to how brave Sam has been.”

Anyone who would like to donate can do so by visiting the JustGiving page