A March woman is to brave the shave for charity after her mother-in-law died of cancer.

Tracy Harley is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Research and Marie Curie, which have helped three of her family members that have had cancer.

She has decided to lose her locks because three people in her family have been affected by cancer.

As well as the death of her mother-in-law in October last year, Tracy’s husband Vernon was diagnosed with cancer 13 years ago, but was given the all-clear since 2010.

Her sister-in-law also had breast cancer a couple of years ago and received treatment.

The mum of three said: “It hasn’t been an easy time. However, through all the pain and upset there have been positives – not least the fact that Vernon received the all-clear and that my sister-in-law is doing well also.

“The fighting spirit they and my mother-in-law, who herself battled past the two-year prognosis she was given, showed was in part inspired by the wonderful support received from Macmillan and Marie Curie.

“My husband and I decided a while ago that we wanted to do something.

“Colleagues suggested jumping out of a plane but I am scared of heights so my response was ‘I’d rather have my hair shaved off than do that’.

“They have not let me forget those words!

“Vernon was horrified when he found out I’d agreed to it as he really likes my hair quite long, but he is of course fully supportive as he wants us to raise as much money as possible.

“My daughters are right behind me too – although I do have to admit they do find the prospect of me having no hair quite hilarious.”

With the support of colleagues at The Nottingham building society’s March branch, Tracy has arranged an afternoon tea party at the GER Sports and Social Club in March from 2-5pm on Saturday April 7.

Then, from 7pm to midnight, there will be a disco and at 9pm the 48-year-old will lose her locks.

The customer services assistant’s hair is being donated to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs for children suffering with hair loss.

To sponsor Tracy visit www.bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk and search for Tracy Harley or visit The Nottingham at 41 Broad Street, March, where tickets for the disco – priced at £2 – are also available.