A very bright light in the industry went out in October 2021, when legendary colourist, Chris Williams sadly passed away from bowel cancer. After a short and bravely borne illness, Chris left behind a tremendous legacy as a mentor and inspiration to many colourists throughout the world.
Chris’ wife Sophie has set up a campaign to raise both awareness and valuable funds for bowel cancer. Chris Williams Campaign – The Legend Behind Colour in support of Bowel Cancer UK has been launched this month and is supported by ambassador Trevor Sorbie MBE and the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.
“I wanted to do something positive in Chris’ memory and so many people have reached out to me offering support and words of kindness that I thought together we can be a strong voice to raise awareness of bowel cancer and at the same time through a ‘Much Loved’ page raise funds too, “ says Sophie. “The campaign has been created in order to raise awareness and maximise outreach ensuring people are aware of all symptoms to ensure any cancer is caught early and save lives.”
“When I met Sophie, she hadn’t long lost her husband Chris, who was a legend in hair colour to bowel cancer and having had bowel cancer myself, I understood her desire to create a campaign and raise awareness, and I immediately offered my help and support. Not long afterwards Sophie asked me to become an Ambassador for the campaign and together we are working alongside Bowel Cancer UK to raise as much awareness as possible. I was very lucky to find it in its early stages and was able to come through it. Anyone that feels they have symptoms or notices any changes please get checked out. You may feel embarrassed or nervous but leave your dignity at the door and let the doctors and hospitals help you – it could save your life,” adds Trevor.
“Trevor has been a tremendous help and given me so much support and advice throughout these past few months, and along with the Fellowship has been instrumental in getting the campaign of the ground,” adds Sophie. “We have lots of plans which people can get involved in to make the campaign really successful and we’ll be updating them on our social media channels,” says Sophie. “Together we will raise awareness and change the chances of survival for people at risk of bowel cancer.”
Along with Trevor, the Fellowship have also assisted Sophie in setting up the campaign, “We are delighted to be supporting the Chris Williams Campaign, as he supported the Fellowship for British Hairdressing with his dedication and passion. Hairdressers are in a unique position to listen to and talk about symptoms of bowel cancer and we all need to understand the symptoms and take away the stigma talking about it. Chris was a shining light in the hairdressing industry and was passionate about being there for other people, dedicated to sharing his knowledge and it’s important to continue his legacy in helping others, which was what Chris was all about,” says Robert Eaton, President, Fellowship for British Hairdressing.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “We are incredibly proud of Sophie for turning her husband’s tragic death into a legacy that will have the potential to save future heartbreak for others. Someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 15 minutes in the UK which means that in the 45 minutes that an average cut and blow dry lasts, three more people will hear the words no one wants to hear: you have bowel cancer. Hairstylists and colourists can play a lifesaving role in chatting about the red flag symptoms of bowel cancer to their clients and encouraging them to contact their GP if they’re concerned.”
To help Sophie raise awareness and funds visit https://chriswilliamscampaign.muchloved.com/
To add your support and keep in touch with Sophie and her awareness raising activities follow on Facebook and Instagram;