A LOCAL woman proved herself a cut above by undergoing a close shave for people suffering from cancer.

Teresa Burns from Skelmorlie lost her locks for Macmillan's ‘Brave the Shave’ campaign, to show her support for people who lose their hair during treatment for the disease.

In a show of solidarity her husband decided to have his hair shaved off too.

Former home support organiser Teresa says that having worked in care facilities she has seen the invaluable support Macmillan offers to people.

Teresa said: “It is something I have the choice to do, which many do not because of the disease.

“It is something I have wanted to do for a while, but it was my daughter’s wedding last year so I waited until after that.

“I was nervous about it of course, but I just thought 'I don’t care I’m still doing it'.”

Teresa has donated almost 30cms of hair to the Little Princess Trust, who will turn it in to a wig for children and young adults who have lost their own hair through treatment.

She said: “Louisa from Couture Hair came and did the deed, with 36 family, friends and neighbours attending.

“To everyone's surprise my husband, Jim, got his head shaved in support too.

“It made it a lot easier that so many of my friends and family came along to support me on the day."

Teresa says that whilst her friends and family have been incredible, it is the generosity of strangers which has completely surprised her.

She added: “The people of Largs and surrounding area have been fantastic in their support both morally and financially.

“I went to The George in Largs for a night out but I ended up getting loads of donations just from telling people what I was doing.

“The local Masonic Lodge and Social Club donated a surprise £100 cheque which was so kind.

"I did some home baking, served tea and coffee and had a small raffle to raise funds, with donations from The Bosun's Table and Wemyss Bay Pharmacy, which was very generous.

“Even on the day a friend who was attending was talking about what I was doing when she was at church and the lady she was talking to gave £5 towards my total.

Teresa has raised £1,040, well over her original £500 target.

Anyone who wants to add to the total can donate online at www.bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/teresa-burns