Four friends will lose their hair later this month to raise funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care in memory of Carol Chivers, who died from breast cancer in 2006.

Carol, who lived in Great Somerford, was just 41 when she died, leaving husband Dave and two young sons, Patrick and Jack. Since her death, Dave has been a tireless fundraiser for Dorothy House, which cared for Carol during her illness, and has already raised more than £4,000 for the Winsley-based hospice. And now Carol’s friend Kath Balderson has organised a head shave to boost funds further.

Kath, who works at Athelstan House and Priory care homes in Malmesbury, said: “Carol was a great lady and a good friend of mine. When she lost her hair as a result of chemotherapy I promised her she could have mine to make a wig. She didn’t live long enough to take up that offer, but on April 26 I will give up my hair as my way of thanking Dorothy House for befriending Carol and her family, and making her last months as bearable as possible.”

Kath has persuaded her son Bob and her friend Liz Aggar, along with Carol’s widower Dave, to lose their locks in a good cause. She said: “Liz has suggested we sell the hair for extensions, with that money going to the Children With Cancer fund. All the sponsorship money for the head shave will go to Dorothy House, along with the proceeds of a music quiz to be held on the same evening at the Red Bull Inn, Malmesbury.”

The event takes place from 11am on April 26 at Athelstan House, with the care home’s hairdresser, Jo Hinkley, wielding the big scissors.

Dave Chivers is one of the founder members of the Malmesbury Friends of Dorothy House; if you would like to join the group, please contact Yvonne Brunton on (01225) 721480.