A MOTHER felt ‘liberated’ after shaving off her hair in Bridport to raise money for charity.

Mel Rich, manager at Bridport business Dorset Fire and Chimney, has lost her locks as part of the Brave the Shave campaign to raise funding for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mel, who lives in Mosterton, took on the challenge in Bucky Doo Square on Saturday, with the help of her son Sam and Sophie Wood.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Mel. “People were so supportive when it was happening and I think my son really enjoyed being allowed to cut my hair off.

“When I first started to hear it being cut, I immediately thought ‘what have I done’ – but the longer it went on the better I felt about it all.

“It was a bit nerve racking but once it was all done, it was actually really liberating to have actually done it. 

"I felt great and I had no regrets about it and was just pleased that I had gone through with it.”

Mel has so far raised £1,250 for the cancer support charity.

She wanted to show her appreciation for the Macmillan nurses who looked after her dad, and also in memory of a friend.

She added: “The nurses really looked after my dad Tony, and it is something we all really appreciated.

"I also had a friend who died from cancer. I didn’t get to spend enough time with her, so this was also my way of doing something for her.”

Mel did get a bit of a surprise when she saw herself the next morning, but is really glad she went through with it.

“I looked in the mirror the next day and got a bit of a shock,” she said. “I didn’t really recognise myself.

“It has taken a while to get used to, but I’m so glad I have actually done it and I’m really proud of myself.”

Mel has joined 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 other people to do the same.

Macmillan funds research, turning the results into practical, cost-effective solutions and better quality services.

To donate to Mel’s Brave the Shave cause, please visit justgiving.com/MelBravesTheShave