A MILLOM woman who has been deeply moved by a family's fight with cancer has made a drastic gesture in tribute to her hero.

Rachel Bannister, of Fairfield Road, has raised more than £1,000 for charity by cutting off her shoulder-length locks.

The mother of three decided to face the chop earlier this year, in honour of her friend and neighbour, Glyn Robinson, who was battling an inoperable brain tumour.

Glyn Robinson's rugby memorial a huge success

Despite only knowing Mr Robinson for a short time, Mrs Bannister was deeply moved by his story and wanted to help.

She said: "Me and my youngest daughter made cakes to sell at the rugby match last week but I just wanted to do something from me.

"I couldn't go out and run a marathon but I still wanted to do something that I knew I could do.

"I've known a few people who have suffered from brain tumours and they've lost their hair and I wanted to do something to pinpoint exactly what I was doing and why.

"If I could have done something to take away half the stuff they went through I would have done but I just wanted to do something."

Mrs Bannister's youngest daughter made the first cut at Glyn Robinson's memorial rugby match last weekend.

Friends and family gather to remember popular Millom man

After getting over the initial shock, Mrs Bannister, aged 40, is now getting used to her new style and is hoping it will go some way to helping other people like Mr Robinson.

She said: "People keep saying how brave I am but I would do it again in a heartbeat - it's just a hair cut at the end of the day.

"I haven't run a marathon or climbed Mount Everest – it's just a haircut."

Despite Mrs Bannister's modesty, Mr Robinson's family have been truly touched by the gesture and cannot thank their friend enough.

Mr Robinson's wife, Polly, said: “When Rachel suggested she was going to do a head shave in support of Glyn and raise lots of money for Brain Tumour Research, we were really taken aback.

"That’s a hell of a gesture for someone to voluntarily shave their hair off – especially for ladies.

"It’s just pure testimony to the respect and support from Rachel and both Glyn and I were both very moved and honoured by this kind act."

Mrs Bannister would like to thank everyone who has donated so far and is urging people to dig deep in tribute to a family she truly admires.

She said: "When something like this happens in Millom people just help out in whatever way they can.

"The whole family is just amazing and Glyn really is such a hero."