A YOUNG cancer survivor from Jersey has donated her hair in memory of a fellow patient who died earlier this year at the age of 25.
Alex Collier passed away in March, two years after being diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, spindle cell sarcoma, in his femur.
JEP reporter Antonia Rubio had her hair cut on Friday in tribute, donating around 30cm to a charity that makes wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.
Miss Rubio (27) has been cancer-free for two years after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer around the same time Mr Collier received his diagnosis.
The pair met through fundraising efforts for charity CLIC Sargent (Jersey), where Miss Rubio serves as an ambassador.
Speaking after the haircut, she said: “It was a bit emotional, but I am also happy to be doing something in memory of Alex.
“Knowing the hair will go to someone who needs it more than me is really special.”
Miss Rubio’s fundraiser has already raised more than £1,000 in Alex’s memory.
She hopes the gesture will encourage others not only to donate, but also to share the stories of those lost to cancer.
“I hope that when people are donating, they’re not just donating, they’re also talking about it,” she said.
“It’s all well and good if people hear my story – which has a happy ending – but, as lucky as I am, it’s important for me to share the story of those who are no longer here with us.
“This isn’t just for Alex, it’s also for anyone else who’s ever lost their life to cancer.”
