Each year, around 900 women receive chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital. As well as being an emotionally tumultuous time, grappling with the thought of losing your hair can be especially upsetting for women. While the NHS does all it can to provide standard synthetic wigs, many women find them less comfortable and not as natural-looking. They also can’t be heat-styled without damage and have a far shorter lifespan of 4-6 months with daily wear. The Crowning Glory campaign aims to change this by offering the option to upgrade to a natural hair wig, one that can be cut, styled, curled, or coloured, helping women maintain a sense of identity and confidence throughout their treatment.
Last year, the charity funded 130 natural hair wigs, and this year, they want to do even better, aiming for 150. This ensures even more women can access this vital support and raises awareness so that those going through the process know the option is available.
The campaign was officially launched at the Kirsty Louise Streek Foundation Charity Ball at the Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl, where Fiander ETL proudly became the first business to pledge £500 – the cost of a natural hair wig.
Andy Jay, Managing Director of Fiander ETL, said:
“We are proud to partner with the KLSF and support the Crowning Glory campaign.”
Andy Jay, Managing Director of Fiander ETL, added:
“A natural hair wig can make a real difference to a woman’s confidence and wellbeing during treatment. We hope many other local businesses will join us in helping women feel like themselves again.”
For Fiander ETL, the campaign carries personal meaning. Team member Emma Higham witnessed firsthand the difference the KLSF can make when her sister Megan received a grant for a natural hair wig during chemotherapy.
Thankfully, Megan has now made a full recovery, but the impact of the support they received has stayed with the family.
“Seeing how much confidence and comfort a natural wig gave my sister during her treatment really opened my eyes to the difference this support makes,” tells Emma. “The KLSF were incredible in how they supported Megan and our family through a very difficult time. As a family, we are extremely proud of Megan, and we are proud that Fiander ETL has chosen to partner with the KLSF and help ensure other women receive that same support.”
The Kirsty Louise Streek Foundation is dedicated to supporting people living with Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and Sarcoma, as well as individuals who need access to better quality wigs, hair care, wig styling, and beauty treatments that help restore confidence during an illness.
Fiander ETL is now calling on businesses and organisations across Southampton and the Central South to join the campaign. A £500 pledge funds one natural hair wig, directly empowering a woman undergoing treatment.
To learn more or make a pledge, please visit the Crowning Glory campaign page https://www.bemorekirsty.org/crowning-glory or contact: info@bemorekirsty.org Together, we can help women feel confident, supported, and like themselves again.
