Bradford hair salon Blues HQ raises funds for teenager

Blues HQ, located on Rawson Square in Bradford city centre, donated all the money made on Sunday, November 19 to Olivia Steane, from Apperley Bridge. 

The 16-year-old was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that affects muscle tissue, on August 23 this year - the day before her GCSE results.

Becky Metcalf, who works at the salon, raised the idea with her manager and colleagues after she heard about her daughter’s friend's diagnosis. 

Blues HQ owner Adnaan Shazad Hussain, who goes by 'Ash', said: “It was a fantastic day and we surpassed our target of £2,000.

The team at Blues who worked the day of the fundraiser with Dr Amir (Image: UGC)

“We’ll get the official figure at the end of this week when we get the raffle funds through.

“We had a lot of people calling to book appointments for Sunday so the money could be donated to Olivia and her family.”

Ash heard about Olivia through Becky and her daughter Summa and was more than happy to help them fundraise.

TV's Dr Amir, who is a client and friend of Blues, visited the salon on the day to show his support.

Ash added: “Becky is a fantastic person and I care about her and the people she cares for.

“She’s been a fantastic advocate for Olivia’s cause.”

Olivia and her family went along to the fundraiser to see how the day was going and for the teen to meet the team.

Teesha, Olivia and Summa at Blues HQ (Image: UGC)

Olivia's mum Leanne Marie said: “Olivia wasn’t’ feeling quite well the day before so I let Becky know if we did come it would be a pop-in.

“Olive got a bit tearful seeing what these nice people were doing for her and to see all the support she was getting.

“She was really taken back.”

In a post on Facebook, Olivia wrote: “I never once thought I would have found myself in a situation where people would be raising money to help support me because I’m sick.

“But it has been so amazing to watch so many people come together and be so kind and thoughtful.

“I can’t even explain the warmth and happiness when people are out there actually wanting to help and being supportive, because this is such a hard time for me, and my family, and I can’t be more grateful for those people.

“Today at Blues HQ a smile was put back on my face thanks to Becky and everyone who works there.

“It is such a kind thing you all have done today, and I will forever be grateful for that so thank you.

“I also want to thank my amazing family because without you I wouldn’t be able to do this, and you have all helped me so much and been by my side the whole way. Love you guys.”

The money raised will be given to Olivia and her family to make this difficult time a little easier.