Jo Wright, the landlady of The Tiger Bar in Derby's Cathedral Quarter, is preparing to shave her head alongside six of her friends to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. The event, which has already raised £5,000 in donations, will take place on August 30, 2026, at the pub located on Lock Up Yard.
The fundraiser comes as Jo's 76-year-old mother undergoes chemotherapy treatment in Derby. Jo decided to take action after witnessing how many of her customers have been affected by the disease.
Community event with disco and karaoke
Visitors to The Tiger Bar on the day can expect a lively afternoon featuring a disco, karaoke, a buffet, and special drink deals. Entry is free, and the pub team is inviting everyone to come and show their support.
Jo Wright said: “I decided to get my head shaved to raise money for Cancer Research to do what I can to help people. As a landlady, so many customers have been affected by cancer and they become family.”
Memory wall planned as permanent fixture
The pub team is also planning to create a permanent memory wall where visitors can leave heartfelt messages. Jo said: “We have lots of other activities going on throughout the day in the pub. We are also thinking of creating a memory wall so everyone can sign it, and it can be a permanent fixture in the pub.”
Jo added: “At first, it was just about my story, but then it grew and became about all of us. At the last count, there could be seven of us having our heads shaved. The Tiger Bar is not just a pub – we are a community. A real family.”
Fundraising goal and public invitation
Supporters have already raised an impressive £5,000, with more donations expected during the event. Jo urged the public to join the effort: “Please come and support us, and let’s raise as much money as we can.”
The event is free to attend and will run throughout the day at The Tiger Bar in Derby, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.
