Calne resident Emma Haines has shaved off her curly locks in support of elder sister Heidi Hudd, who has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time.

Mrs Haines, 35, of North End, Calne, raised nearly £3,000 for Cancer Research UK by taking the bold step to shave her head in front of friends and family on Friday.

Her sister, from Bromham, was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and fought off the disease, only to be diagnosed with liver and bone cancer recently.

The head shave took place at the Maria Christina Hair and Beauty Salon in Chippenham, where Mrs Hudd’s teenage daughter Chloe works.

Around 60 people turned up to offer their support and Mrs Haines, who is a nail technician, collected more than £1,000 for charity on the day.

She said: “I cannot believe how many people came. I think Heidi was quite taken aback – she just can’t believe the level of support we got from people.

“Everyone was talking about their own experiences. There was another lady who just came to have her hair done, but she was a cancer sufferer herself. She said ‘I cannot believe what you’ve done’. It was really humbling.”

Both sisters also volunteered their husbands, Brett Haines and Martin Hudd, for body waxes to help boost their fundraising.

Mr Haines, who is head of security at St Mary’s School, Calne, had his back waxed and Mr Hudd, a builder, had his front waxed.

Mrs Haines said: “It’s turned something very awful and horrible into something wonderful. My hair will grow back, but the memories will last forever.

“Heidi just needs to carry on with her chemotherapy and we’re just being positive. She’s terminal but we’re not dwelling on that, there’s no point.”

To sponsor her visit www.just giving.com/Emma-Haines1/