AN IRVINE mother who lost her best friend and grandmother to cancer has decided to ‘brave the shave’ and raise money for others living with the disease.

Kelly-Anne O’Grady from Gigha Terrace in Bourtreehill, has signed up to the Macmillan Cancer Support campaign to shave her hair off and raise cash for the the charity.

The mother of three was inspired to take part after her best friend and grandmother both passed away after battling cancer and says her uncle is currently fighting the disease.

She said: “I lost my best friend and my wee nana nine years ago to ovarian cancer and I miss her every day.

“I have also had other family members affected by cancer. My late mother-in-law beat breast cancer in 2010, but sadly passed away with another illness three years later.

“My Uncle Gilbert is currently at the latter stages of cancer so it is something I have been touched by and me shaving my hair is my way of giving a little something back to support the cause.” The 34-year-old admits that she has thought of doing fundraising in the past but has been unable to do so and now believes this campaign is the one for her to join.

She said: “I have wanted to do one of the park runs but I’m just not fit enough.

“I know many people are affected or lose someone close to this despicable disease and I’m doing my bit to help support the people who put themselves through this journey every day at work. All Macmillan nurses deserve a medal of honour.” Kelly-Anne has already altered her haircut for the cause as she has had a ribbon shaved into her head by the hairdresser who will complete the full head shave.

She said: “I have had a side patch of hair shaved and a ribbon drawn on by Mark at Mark’s Barbers in Dreghorn, in order to promote my event, which is on August 5.” You can donate to Kelly-Anne’s cause online at www.bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/kelly-ogrady/ and there will be a sponsor form at Mark’s Barbers this week. Kelly-Anne added: “Every penny counts so please give what you can to help me reach my target of £300.”