A receptionist at a learning academy in Cape Town was in tears when teachers and learners held a fundraising event to help her with her medical bills.

The teachers and learners from Forest Village Learning Academy in Blue Downs held a shavathon in aid of a fundraising event to help assist Hayley Daniels who was diagnosed with stage 3 breath cancer.

Daniels says during the shavathon the learners had their hair sprayed in colours and some teachers, the janitors and some parents opted to have their head shaved by Daniels herself.

Daniels has nothing but praise for the school and says she has been overwhelmed by the support and love.  She says she won’t let the cancer get her down, and is determined to stay positive.

“The first time we got the news,I was in absolute shock, but then you realise you have a family to fight for, your diagnosis does not have to be terminal. I’ve heard of stage 4 cancer patients that have recovered, that are in remission..it is possible to beat this thing, you have to remain positive. The minute you start doubting yourself..the minute you start getting depressed about the situation – that is when this disease is going to take over your life.”