A Ditchingham woman has been inspired by her sister’s battle with bowel cancer to shave her head and organise a fun day in aid of Macmaillan Cancer Support.

Rachael Davey’s sister Jayne Atkins has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and Mrs Davey wants to raise as much money for the charity as she can.

She signed up to the charity’s Brave the Shave after hearing Macmillan adverts on the radio, and once sponsorship started coming in, she knew she had to go through with it.

“I set a target of £1,000 which I thought was a bit ambitious,” said Mrs Davey. “But I’ve raised £1,400 so far even before the day. It’s quite overwhelming to think I’ve had that much support.

“Jayne got diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and she has just been amazing. But when you go and talk to people it feels like if they haven’t had cancer then they know somebody who has.

“I’ve seen Macmillan at work and I’ve seen how much of a difference they can make to people.”

Mrs Davey will be holding a fun day at Ditchingham Village Hall on August 27, where there will be stands including craft stalls, cake stalls, refreshments, cosmetics and face painting as well as bouncy castles.

It will run from 10am to 2pm, and the main attraction will be when she shaves her head at 1.30pm.

Mrs Davey said: “People keep saying to me that it’s a big thing to do, but at least in my own little way I’m giving a bit back.

“They’ve told me I’m brave, but Jayne said I’m a nutter.”

To sponsor Mrs Davey, visit www.bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/rachael-davey. You will also be able to sponsor her on the day.