On 6 September 2026, Rev Raj. Patta, from the United Stockport and Trafford Methodist Circuits, shaved his head to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. As of 13 September, he has raised an incredible £2,108. 
Raj said “As a minister of the Methodist Church, I have made many hospital visits to pray with people living with cancer. I have journeyed with survivors and accompanied at least three people who died from cancer, standing alongside their families and weeping with them through pain, grief and trauma.
I have also shared the joy and relief of those who survived the fear and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis. These encounters have led me to reflect deeply on what it means to stand in solidarity with people affected by cancer.
In previous years, I grew out my hair and donated it to the Little Princess Trust to help provide wigs for children who had lost their hair due to cancer treatment and other conditions. This year, solidarity means finding the courage to ‘Brave the Shave’ and raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, helping them offer practical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer and their families.
I am also grateful for the volunteers in our churches who faithfully organise Macmillan Coffee Mornings and contribute to this vital work. For me, ‘Brave the Shave’ is more than cutting my hair. It is an act of solidarity, an expression of Christian witness and a visible commitment to stand alongside those whose lives have been touched by cancer.
I am deeply grateful for all your support and solidarity for my Brave the Shave initiative in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Thank you to everyone who donated, encouraged, prayed, and stood alongside me. I am thrilled to share that, together, we raised double the original fundraising target!
This is more than a fundraising achievement, it is a beautiful expression of compassion and solidarity with people living with cancer, their families, and all who care for them.”
