Funding for wigs for chemotherapy and alopecia patients

4 SEPTEMBER 2026

£30,000 has been granted to buy high quality wigs and provide a dedicated wig fitting service for patients across the Trust who have been affected by chemotherapy or alopecia. Providing this essential emotional and practical support to patients experiencing hair loss, due to chemotherapy treatment or alopecia, is something York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity is incredibly proud of.

Losing hair can be one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment. While patients with breast cancer commonly experience chemotherapy induced hair loss, people of all ages and backgrounds can face the profound emotional impact of losing their hair. Alopecia patients with Cicatricial alopecia cannot re-grow hair due to the hair follicles being too damaged. The wigs will also help these patients to start to gain their identity back.

By funding this service, the charity aims to help patients feel like themselves again, offering dignity, confidence and a sense of identity at a deeply vulnerable time.

The funding not only covers the wigs themselves but also the specialist fitting service, ensuring patients receive compassionate, personalised support. For many, this is an emotional milestone in their treatment journey, and having a safe, supportive environment means a great deal.

One cancer patient who received a charity funded wig fitted by Scarborough Hospital hairdresser Karen Castle told us:

“Losing my hair during chemotherapy made me feel very sad and stressed, but visiting Karen was wonderful. She took the time to help me find a wig that matched my own hair colour. She also gave me practical, easy-to-follow advice on how to care for my scalp and maintain my wig at home.

“This service is not just hair care. In my view it's an essential piece of emotional support for patients navigating treatment. 

“I am deeply grateful to Karen and York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity for the care they provide. “

Oonagh Murphy, Matron, Cancer Services, shared the significance of this support:

“The patients having chemotherapy treatment are already having an incredibly difficult time. Not only coming to terms with their diagnosis but going through the treatment itself, which is very challenging both physically and mentally. Knowing that we can look to York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity to help these patients and family members is incredible.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate between whose lives it affects, so we see patients of all financial backgrounds. Knowing that the charity can provide wigs to those who may not be able to seek this privately is so reassuring. Any actions that help give our patients their power back are critical for recovery. To give patients a glimmer of normality really affects their mood and confidence.

“Thank you so much to York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity for continuing with the provision of funding of wigs.”