Chippenham mum-of-four Lydia Keill has immersed herself in fundraising for a children’s cancer charity after her daughter survived a brain tumour.

Mrs Keill, who lives off Sheldon Road, Chippenham, has taken over as South West fundraising co-ordinator for Joshua’s Wish.

She wanted to work for the charity after seeing the impact of what it does. One of her four daughters was diagnosed with astrocytoma, a type of brain cancer, at five months old. Thirteen years later, she is doing well in Year 9 at Sheldon School.

Mrs Keill said: “My daughter had five chemotherapy cycles, six weeks of radiotherapy and many different brain operations. She is currently very well.”

An event at Buckley Barracks airfield on April 27 will see women – and men dressed as women – setting off for a 10k walk at midnight. There is the choice of two routes – 7.5 km (4.7 miles) or 10km (6.2 miles).

Mrs Keill said: “It is a ladies’ walk but men are welcome. They can don a frock and join the walk or we would welcome help as marshals.

“It is a great evening and will help us to continue to provide holidays and experiences for children diagnosed with cancer and their families.”

Joshua’s Wish works with 22 oncology units across the UK. Another event, Haircut 100, from May 11 to 18, will ask 100 hairdressers in the area to raise £100 each.

Mrs Keill said: “Cancer sufferers often lose their hair through chemotherapy treatment. This is especially difficult for children and teens.

“Having your hair cut is a luxury we often take for granted. The children and young people we support do not have this option, so we are hoping people may give a few pounds towards making their wishes come true in other ways.”

Joshua’s Wish has raised more than £7 million since being set up in 1998 in memory of Joshua Cornelius, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died aged seven.

To take part in the walk, download an application from www.joshuaswish.co.uk Salons that would like to get involved in Haircut 100 can call Mrs Keill on 07415 616298 or email lydia@joshuas wish.co.uk