A CANCER sufferer from Barry is set to shave her head to raise funds for Macmillan – as a tribute to her sister, who died of the disease.

Brave Mandy Mason has been screened every year since the death of her sister Jennifer Cuschien from breast cancer 13 years ago.

Just five weeks ago, following one of these routine scans, doctors discovered that Mandy had a cancerous lump in her breast.

The 50-year-old retired van driver from Fern Drive said: "My sister died of breast cancer when she was 50, so to be diagnosed at the same age was worrying.

"But since the initial shock, I have been making the best of things."

In the short time since Mandy's diagnosis she has had already undergone an operation to remove the lump, is preparing to face a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy – and has resolved to shave her hair before it falls out.

She said: "I saw my sister lose her hair within an hour and a half of chemotherapy, and it was horrible for her.

"There isn’t much that you have control over when you have cancer so this is one thing I can control – I will shave it off just before the chemotherapy starts and raise money for Macmillan nurses while doing it."

Mandy's hair will be donated to wig makers affiliated to Macmillan.

She added: "Because my lump was found early on, I have been able to prepare and take as much control as possible.

"I don’t have a Macmillan nurse yet but I will, and I know how much help and support they can give.

"The head shaving will just be the start – my skittle group have pledged to fundraise on their weekend away later this year so hopefully we will have at least £1,000 to donate."

All are welcome to join Mandy on June 27 at the Seaview Labour Club at 4pm to sponsor her and watch as her hair is chopped.