Highland Stags ready to brave the shave in show of solidarity of team mate battling cancer
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A local sports team are supporting their friend who is battling cancer by shaving their heads in solidarity.
Ally Gibson (23) was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkins Lymphoma in January, despite being a healthy young man who did not drink or smoke.
He has long since been a member of the Highland Stags, from being a player in multiple UK finals to becoming a coach.
Mr Gibson described the ordeal: "Its completely changed me. Mentally it has taken a huge hit. I was never someone to show emotion or fear, I tried to be the brave face for when things went bad and I cared about making other people better before myself.
"But through this I've found that putting a brave face is impossible and it's ok to cry and show vulnerability."
Sadly, he can no longer play during treatment but is trying to be as involved in possible.
"I keep in touch with everyone there and provide advice and guidance to players and coaches on certain aspects of the game. I have been a coach for 5 years so I'm more than comfortable providing advice and any opinions which can help the team."
His friend, Haris Ryalls, who he has known since preschool, wanted to shave his head in solidarity with Ally and the idea was picked up by the team. So far 15 other men have signed up to take on the shave on April 3.
Mr Gibson continued: "It means the world. I've been so lucky growing up being a part of such caring and great organisations and communities. From the Highland wildcats to the Highland Stags they've been so caring and so helpful during my time and you really feel that sense of family with them, they are always there for you whenever you need them."
They will be raising money for Maggie's Highland through the event, a charity who have helped members of the team.
He added: "Maggie's has a special place for me because during my time at Highland Wildcats they were amazing with the Head Coach Robbie Paulin's mother and as well as provide and offer support to my nan before she passed. The work they do I feel is never rewarded enough, all sectors of healthcare and wellbeing aren't. And I feel that if there's any way I can give back I have to."
In the face of adversity however, he has a message for others: "If there's anything I want people to take from this is that it's ok not to be ok. Especially with young people, men especially. Don't "man up" through things, you cannot power through everything in life and it's more brave to cry than it is to shrug things off.
"I always saw myself as well tuned with my emotions and my mental toughness being very strong, but this last few months has really shown me how hard life can be and how important it is to talk to people.
"If not for my amazing friends and family I couldn't imagine doing this, I'd be lost without them. If you're unsure on anything, I'd stress please get checked, for all you know it could be life saving."
You can donate to their effort online.
