A MUM who has had skin cancer will prove she is a cut above by shaving her hair off to help other people battling the deadly disease.

Ruth McLaughlin will ‘raze’ the bar this weekend when she loses her locks for Macmillan Cancer Support’s ‘Brave the Shave’ campaign, which invites people to demonstrate solidarity with cancer sufferers who have lost their hair during treatment.

The 37-year-old says the cause is very close to her heart as she had a tumour removed from above her top lip.

Ruth, of Bow Road, added: “I’ve also known many people over the years that have fought cancer. 

“Some have won, some have lost. 

“I had my skin cancer removed from me and I am now prone to it. 

“But I was lucky that it wasn’t the type that spreads, so it wasn’t life-threatening.

“When I saw an advert online about Brave the Shave, I knew I had to do it.

“I’m very particular about my hair — it’s part of my armour, as it is with most women.

“So shaving it off is a statement of support to everyone who has had cancer.”

Ruth, who is disabled and relies on a wheelchair to get about, says shaving her hair off is also a tribute to her grandfather Arthur Henderson, who died from asbestosis, and her sister-in-law’s husband Adam Oakley who has been diagnosed with incurable kidney cancer.

She added: “My grandfather, who had worked as an electrician on the boats, died when I was seven and a half after suffering from asbestosis.

“And just before Christmas, my fiance Craig’s brother-in-law Adam, who is in his 40s, was diagnosed with incurable kidney cancer.

“He’s dealing with it so well — he’s been brilliant.

“Adam lost his mum to cancer four years ago too.

“It is a horrible disease. There are too many different types and not enough treatments. 

“So I want to do anything to help.”

Ruth suffers from various health issues which result in her having to take 28 tablets of different medications every day.

She added: “I have fibromyalgia so I’m in constant pain all over my body.

“I don’t sleep well which leaves me exhausted and I also have problems with my eyes and stomach and alopecia which makes my hair fall out in patches.

“I hide it quite well though.”

Ruth aims to raise £500 for the charity when she gets her head shaved today.

Her fiance and her daughters Amanda Marrs, 20, and Cayla Samson, six, are going to shave her hair.

She added: “We’re doing it on Saturday, the anniversary of Craig’s dad Robert Samson who sadly passed away.”

You can sponsor Ruth online at www.bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/ruth-mclaughlin/