A Wirral woman has gone the extra mile to help her close friend after a devastating diagnosis.
Mary Norfolk-Whittaker began to experience pain in her breasts when she went to get this checked by her GP.
But just days after Christmas, the 35-year-old was given the devastating diagnosis that she had breast cancer.
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Close friend Karen Davey, who lives in Bebington, was inspired by her friend's bravery and wanted to do all she could to help.
So the 56-year-old began the quest to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now and she braved the shave outside the Co-op store where she works at Teehey Lane.
She has so far raised over £1,700 and the donations keep pouring in.
Karen told the ECHO : "I wasn't expecting to raise so much, I thought I'd get around £200 to £400 but it's been absolutely amazing and a new donation is coming in every day on the fundraising page.
"At the Co-op we have good links with Christ Church and they put in £100 which has been incredible. I'm absolutely astounded by people's kindness and generosity.
"I had the initial idea when I heard from my friend Mary who was diagnosed with cancer, she's only 35.
"She's starting chemotherapy next week. She had pains in her breast and went to her GP and they did a biopsy and it was breast cancer, which is unusual for someone under 40.
"That's why it's so important for women to get checked. One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer throughout their life time, it's very common place.
"So many people have been coming up to me saying they know someone who had or has had breast cancer and I didn't realise just how common it was so it's really important we raise money for it.
"A lot of people don't think it will happen to them until they are given that devastating diagnosis."
Karen said she has been supported for her efforts and urges people to keep donating.
She added: "Mary is such a positive person and has incredibly supportive friends and family to help her every step of the way, we can only hope for positive news.
"Since having my hair shaved off it's been very cold. I had long blonde hair and now it's stubble and grey which was a shock to see. I can't quite get used to it.
"I don't think I'd do it again but I don't regret doing it and it's raised so much money. People say I was brave and they couldn't do it but I'm an impulsive person and so many are having to lose their hair because of the disease."
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking here.
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