A WEST Dorset woman will lose her locks to raise money for a cancer charity.

Melanie Rich will shave off her hair in Bucky Doo Square this weekend to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Melanie, who works at Dorset Fire and Chimney Centre in Bridport, wanted to give something back to the Macmillan nurses who looked after her father Tony.

"Macmillan looked after my father when he was dying," said Melanie.

"I wouldn't want to do what they do. I think it is an extremely difficult and important job, and this was my way of trying to say thank you and give something back."

The mother of three is joining thousands of people taking part in the 'Brave the Shave' campaign around the country, to stand proudly alongside men and women with cancer - while raising money so Macmillan Cancer Support can help people take control back from cancer.

The charity’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer and to inspire millions of others to do the same.

Melanie has already beaten her initial fundraising target, but is hoping to raise as much as she can for the charity.

"I did initially hope to raise £300, but I already have about £500," added Melanie. "Hopefully I can just raise as much as possible, as it is such a fantastic cause.

"I am doing it for all the mothers and fathers out there who have lost their beloved children and for all those children and young people who are bravely fighting now."

Melanie joked that it is about time she did something different such as shaving off her hair.

"I think I'm going to go as short as I can without having a wet shave," she said. "I believe you can put all kinds of attachments on these razors. It will be extremely short, which is pretty daunting.

"I have never done anything like this before. I thought now I am in my 50s, it was time to shave all of my hair off."

Melanie will take part in the Brave the Shave event in Bucky Doo Square on Saturday (22) at 1.30pm.

To sponsor Melanie, please visit justgiving.com/MelBravesTheShave