Jude

On my first time at BeBold Camp, I was shy and I didn't know who to talk to because I didn't know anyone, then I met this really kind, fun boy Jude (same age as me). We got along straight away! We played cowboys and indians in the woods with our guns and bows and arrows all day long, and then raved at the disco all night long creating dances for every song that came on and then ran to our families around the campfire, and then ran back to dance.

The next year he and his brother entered the talent competition and did the cup song from Pitch Perfect. Their confidence helped me enter too, I played the drums. Jude taught me how to do the cup song, he was really good! Then when we went home I taught all of my friends how to do it too.

That's me with Jude on the far right between Clara and Fin (Jude's brother)

Last year when we went back to BeBold again, Jude wasn't there. His Dad and his brothers were and we played lots. Jude had been diagnosed with bone cancer and was in hospital having lots of treatment. I was hoping that he would be well again soon and up and dancing again. Then this weekend I was given horrible news, Jude has passed away.

He was such a kind and fun person, his family and friends have started a hashtag on social media #bemorejude

Tomorrow is his funeral, we wish we could all be there. I bet there will be so many people as he is so loved. They are letting off orange balloons (his favourite colour). Instead I made a video to remember him and we will be donating to the Bone Cancer Trust, there is a link at the end of the video to donate too.

Those we love don't go away

They walk beside us everyday...

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Bad Ass Hair-Cut

Since my hair has been falling out, like a LOT, I thought that maybe we shave it again. Then i said to myself why shave it all when you still have a good thick hairy bit... so we half shaved and half kept and it turned out pretty cool!

BEFORE

AFTER

Personally, I thought it looks pretty epic. I've always wanted a hair cut like that, because people in films with it look majorly badass. Even when I had long hair, I thought it would make me look "cool". As you might already know, I'm not the pretty pink princess awaiting her prince I'm more of the fearless badass (obviously) avenger or something like that.

Anyway who cares what other people think just be your independent beautiful self! You be you and I'll be me, don't change so people like you - be yourself and the right people will love the real you!

IIIIII'm Baaaack

I cant believe how long it's been since I've done a post. Sooooooooooo much has happened! We've moved house (to Somerset), I've started secondary school, made lots of new friends and my hair grew back... then fell out again. Twice. 😤

We sold our house but I still had school so we had to live with my Nan. At school, every year at the end, the year sixes have a reward ceremony and guess what? I got the Academic Achievement award!YAY! 😝

We moved on Saturday 4th August, it was a long, long, everlasting journey. On the first night we didn't have any of our stuff, which was a little annoying but we managed to go through it. We moved into a beautiful thatched cottage 30 minutes from the beach! 😎

Before we moved I had an induction day at my new secondary school that I really enjoyed and mum and I thought that it was the one. So we chose it and I went to the summer school, which was obviously in the summer holidays. That was really fun, we wrote fantasy stories, went bowling, did art and much more. I've joined Primary Pals, am an Anti Bully Ambassador, on the Festival Committee, helping the community... basically everything! I also was part of the school production, Into The Wood, I was only in the chorus/dance because I'm a year 7. I'm loving it. 😊

The most amazing thing happened! I have a baby sister (Mila) and she's just turned 2. She's so cute and doesn't stop talking! I could just kiss her all over! 😘

I'm going to try to be more active on the blog and post lots more because of how much has happened. Thanks you guys for helping me get through my first years of 'Me And My Alopecia'.💘

Sue Hampton Author Visit

On September 29th Sue Hampton, an author with alopecia, was coming to my school to explain alopecia and talk about her books. When the assembly started I was a tiny bit apprehensive but also I was excited. Sue said that she was normally the only person in the WHOLE school with alopecia, my two friends sitting next to me looked straight at me.

In the assembly Sue called me to come up to the front with her so we both could talk about alopecia - at that stage I was really nervous! Sue talked about her life with alopecia and how she became and author.

After the assembly Sue came into each of the classes to talk more about her books and read us pages  or a chapter of a few of them.

At the end of the day Sue was selling her books at the school playground. Almost EVERYONE crowded around the table so me and mum waited until they had gone. Then I bought two more books to read and had a nice little chat with Sue. After that mum thought it would be a good idea to take a picture of me and Sue so we did but a horse photo-bombed us! :D

When I got home I was super thrilled that it all happened (plus I can relax) and I was pleased that everyone should understand me and my alopecia.

Alopecia AWARENESS Month!!

Erin's story of her head shave made it into our local news!! fantastic piece of Alopecia Awareness just ahead of September Alopecia Awareness Month!

You can read the full article HERE

Then after this, we were called by ITV Anglia News and asked if they could come and film Erin and chat to her about her alopecia, her head shave and also this blog!! Erin and I were both super nervous but really pleased with the final piece that aired on TV:

You can read their report and watch the video HERE

Erin's fundraising has shot up now to £910!!! If you can help us break the £1000 barrier for Alopecia UK that would be amazing!

CLICK TO DONATE

BeBold Alopecia Kids Camp

5 Favourite things about BeBold Alopecia Camp for Kids

THE THEME: It was an Indian & cowboy theme. It makes it even more fun with the guns and bows & arrows I ran through the forrest shooting indians (I was a cowgirl).

THE TALENT SHOW: seeing all the other kids sing, dance etc, with confidence with their alopecia, it made me want to do it next year. PS I'm going to be playing the drums.

MARSHMALLOWS AROUND THE CAMP FIRE: there was loads of different sized marshmallows (huge, small etc) plus I love cooking and eating them.

MAKING FRIENDS: I made new friends and also met old friends. It's excellent to be around other kids with alopecia because I know I'm not alone.

SAMSAM BUBBLE MAN: there's this bubble man who also has alopecia. With 9 world records, 3 blue peter badges! He's made a bubble so big 50 people could fit in it! And made a bubble with 56 bubbles inside!
                                   

me blowing a bubble with my hands

                                       

I CAN'T WAIT TO GO NEXT YEAR! :) :D

Head Shave for Alopecia UK

Because so much of my hair has fallen out now I wanted to shave it. Dad said he would shave his too so I didn't have to do it on my own. Mum suggested we get some donations for Alopecia UK too as they've really been good for us.

I was really nervous and Mum said as it's the summer holidays I could get my ears pierced to cheer me up. It was scarier getting my ears pierced than getting my head shaved!! They used a weird gun thing to put the earrings in.

After a day chilling with Mum and Jake I shaved my Dad's head! First we shaved it into a mohican for a laugh, we all thought he actually looked pretty cool! He felt soft like puppies ears!!

When it was my turn I was nervous and excited. We shaved mine into a mini mohican too and I decided it was really cool so decided to keep it with that little bit on top! It was a surprise to see exactly how much has fallen out now it's shaved... one side looks like a leopard!

FULL GALLERY OF SHAVE BELOW:

So far (when we wrote this) I've raised £530.50, our target was only £100!!!! I feel so proud at how much I raised, click this link to donate....

https://www.justgiving.com/Epic-Erin-n-Big-Daddy-J/

When I first looked in the mirror I can't believe how much I liked it, I even feel better about my alopecia.