A WOMAN from Rhuddlan who lost her best friend to cancer is set to 'Brave the Shave' in memory of her this month.

Judith Birkett has already raised £740 (correct at time of writing) for Macmillan Cancer Support ahead of her head shave on October 10.

The 57-year-old's best friend Cheryl Brooks died a few years ago following a fight with lung cancer and a brain tumour.

Swansea-born Judith, now a Records and Archives manager for the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust in St Asaph, made a promise to Cheryl, which she now intends to fulfill.

Judith said: “When Cheryl was poorly I promised her that if, through her treatment she was to lose her hair, then I would shave mine off too.

“Despite all the invasive chemo and radiotherapies, Cheryl kept her lovely hairstyle intact. But, I’m doing this to honour her and family I have lost, plus to support those I know who have fought and won.”

Judith’s close shave will be taking place at Morgan’s Hair Salon in Prestatyn on October 10 and her hair will be donated to a charity that makes real-hair wigs for cancer patients who have lost theirs.

Since her early 40's, Judith has kept her hair quite long and her last hair cut came in November 2019.

She said: "I saw the adverts for Brave The Shave and it reminded me of what I had sworn to do when Cheryl was going through her personal battle. I lost my best friend and, whilst I have done other things to fundraise for charity, I think now it's time I do more in her memory.

"I have also decided to embrace the grey and so shaving everything off will provide me with a clean slate. Am I scared about what I will look like? Of course. However, this stupid fear is nothing like the fear of getting cancer and the battles that so many people go through.

"I'm keeping everything crossed that current lockdown restrictions don't mean my appointment gets cancelled."

To support Judith's cause, go to: bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/judith-birkett