A BRAVE Greenock woman had her head shaved to raise money in memory of a close relative after his death from a rare form of cancer.

Jen O’Hagan’s brother-in-law Sandy Manson passed away in June at the age of 43 from Burkitt’s lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Family members said Sandy battled the illness courageously for a year, and never lost his sense of humour.

They all went along to Stewarts hair salon in Greenock to support Jen as stylist Gerry McDade cut off her long locks and shaved her head.

Looking on were Sandy’s wife Karen and their children, Ben, Alex, and Jake, as well as Jen’s other sister Annemarie Brady, with her sons Daniel, and Jack.

Jen, 32, said: “I decided to do it because it was the best way I could think of to show my support, as well as raise money for, those suffering from cancer.

“It wasn’t that scary or upsetting having it done.

“Once I’d made up mind to do it, the rest was easy.” She paid tribute to Sandy and said she hoped the charity donation would help experts researching the disease which cruelly claimed his life.

Jen, who has donated her hair to a charity which makes wigs for children having treatment for cancer, said: “Sandy was amazing, funny and generous.

“I’m raising money for the Lymphoma Research Trust based at University College London, in the hope that they can prevent any other families going through the same kind of loss.

“If you are healthy, you can’t ever imagine what it feels like to go through what cancer sufferers and those supporting them go through every day.

“Burkitt’s is generally recognised to be the most aggressive of cancers and is also very rare, affecting approximately 50 people a year.” Busy Jen works as a waitress in Brown’s Cafe, a bar supervisor in Rileys and she recently started her own business called Cherry Vintage, selling original, reproduction, and vintage inspired clothing, jewellery, accessories, and homeware.

She said: “I want to thank everyone who has donated, including Stewarts, who very kindly gave £50.

“We have two Justgiving pages, one set up by Sandy’s brother Russell which has raised about £4,500, and the one I set up, which has raised about £1,000 between donations on the page and others given to me personally.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for all the donations and all the support.” Russell said on his Justgiving page: “Advances in medical and scientific research represent the only way to prevent other families going through the tragedy that we have endured.” Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/SandyManson and www.justgiving/Jennifer-O-Hagan1