Hair show's history

Since it was launched in 1983, the Alternative Hair Show has now raised more than £8 million for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
All the research is carefully selected with the benefit of independent specialist advice from experts of international standing in the field of medical and scientific research. So, we can be sure it is helping us to improve treatments and advance cures for leukaemia lymphoma, myeloma, and other related cancers of the blood.
Today, thanks to the Alternative Hair Show, the dream of all children surviving leukaemia becomes a real possibility.

One important factor appears to be the minute number of leukaemia cells (MRD – minimal residual disease) that remain in a child’s blood after treatment. Research backed by the Alternative Hair Show is allowing scientists to measure these levels accurately and determine their significance. It is now possible to detect just one leukaemia cell in a 100,000 – a volume that could be placed on the head of a pin. In-depth information like this is crucial because it helps us to get clearer idea of the best treatment for the individual child. Children most likely to relapse can then be targeted with stronger therapy at an earlier stage, and children with a better prognosis can be freed from the risk and unpleasantness of unnecessary aggressive treatment. This is just one of the ways in which the Alternative Hair Show is pushing research forward and making a difference to lives of the children with leukaemia. Other research is making exciting strides in understanding the frightening diseases and improving treatments not only for children but also for the many adults of all ages who fall victim to leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and the other blood cancers.
Thanks to the Alternative Hair Show, much has been achieved. Today nine out of ten children survive their leukaemia and the outlook for adults of all ages is vastly improved. However, much more can and must be done. Leukaemia still claims the lives of more children than any other disease; these diseases account for a more than one third of cancers in adolescents and young adults. We are sure that with the energy and backing of the Alternative Hair Show the future for people of all ages with leukaemia and the related blood cancers will be a lot brighter.