Kayleigh’s Battle Braids

Aim: I aim to take just one small problem away from people in hospital. It’s not a lot but it can make a big difference.

A stay in hospital, or an operation that requires a recovery period means you have a world of problems to navigate. Everything from food to lifts to money to deliveries (no one wants to be dealing with lost parcels while you’re stuck in hospital!!)

The list really is endless. But one thing you may not even realise could cause a problem is often something that turns into a nightmare really quick.

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2024 and have had multiple surgeries and hospital stays since. Each time my hair has been an issue during recovery. I am lucky in the respect I know how to braid and I will always prep by taming my mane into two solid plaits that will last through the operation and long into the recovery period. But why is it such a big deal?

Spending any considerable amount of time laying down or with your head against any sort of support leads to matting, whether it’s 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months. This only gets worse and harder to fix the longer you rest. It can prove painful to sort and even lead to hair having to be cut to remove the matts.

This is rarely communicated ahead of time (because the NHS are a bit busy saving your life) so it can be quite distressing to find yourself in the predicament unknowingly during your recovery.

I am going to offer free braiding to patients pre or post op, two simple, solid braids with leave in conditioner to allow for strong, healthy, controlled hair into the recovery period. It really does sound like a silly little thing, but I know first hand, the difference it can make.

On a personal note, I am very fortunate during my cancer journey to have not lost my hair (I do NOT have the ears to rock a bald head!) but I think this has driven me to want to provide this service in hospitals. If you are in a position where you are poorly enough for a hospital stay or surgery, it is likely you are feeling pretty rubbish as it is. I want to help, in any tiny way to make you feel a little better.

You may wonder why I need to crowd fund to do this. It is mainly to cover travel expenses (in Cornwall you are always miles away from everywhere!) and the few products required. However, in time, I would like to grow the offering into care packages and other helpful services. I’ll be honest, I’m winging this. I’m currently on a lot of morphine from my recent surgery and it may never grow bigger than me loitering round reception desks waiting for a braid request BUT if it helps make that person’s experience better that’s just lush.

Also, shoutout to my gorgeous surgery sista Laura, who possesses the most unreal mane of hair I have ever known and was 100% the source of this idea. Beautigul

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd September 2025 at 11:31am