A TORFAEN woman is raising money for a leading cancer charity by shaving her hair off in memory of her mother.

Laura Pugh, 26, will be facing the clippers on Saturday January 30 as part of Macmillan’s Brave the Shave campaign.

Her mother, Pat, died lost her battle with breast and lung cancer when Miss Pugh was 12, and the shaving of her head holds a special significance for the Cwmbran resident.

Miss Pugh, of Rhiw Melin, West Pontnewydd, said: “My mum loved her hair, much like I do, and this is a great way for me to do something special for her, while raising money for a good cause."

“I have taken part in charity events before such as Race for Life and I’ve also held a coffee morning which raised over £500, so I guess Brave the Shave was just the next thing to do.”

Miss Pugh first became aware of the campaign after seeing an advert for Brave the Shave on television, and understands the feelings of cancer sufferers who lose their hair as part of their treatment.

She said: “For me to shave my hair off, it helps to try and understand what it is like for those diagnosed with cancer who lose their hair."

“My mum didn’t lose too much of her hair as she opted for a different kind of treatment, but many people become sad when they start to lose their hair – for them, it’s a massive thing.”

Miss Pugh will be dropping down from her current shoulder-length hair to a grade two, but will be part of a team of cancer fundraisers having their hair cut at the Bottom Bridge Inn, Pontnewydd.

She said: “I am not the only person taking part in Brave the Shave and I will be having my head shaved alongside four other people: Erica Tomlinson, James Smith, David Guy and Nathan Higgs.

“I will be going down to a grade two which will be the shortest I’ve had my hair before.”

To donate to Miss Pugh’s fundraising page, visit bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/laura-pugh/ or her Facebook page facebook.com/Macmillan-Brave-the-Shave-710739935665556/timeline.