A GREENOCK woman was supported by family and friends as she shaved her hair for charity in memory of her sister.

Margaret Blackett, 62, lost her sibling Ann to cancer last August at the age of 56.

To mark the anniversary Margaret decided she wanted to help other patients by raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Margaret, who works in domestic services at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, has raised hundreds of pound for the good cause.

She was surrounded by friends including Sheena McIntyre and Annette McDonald and family members, including granddaughter Chelsea Greene as she sat in the chair at Roy Smith Barbers at the West Station as the hairdresser and friend Gael Patterson cut her hair.

Margaret said: “My sister was a very private person and kept herself to herself.

"She never wanted everyone to worry about her and even when she was in hospital she said she was fine, she didn’t want a fuss.

“Although she was in and out of hospital it was still a shock to everyone to lose her and we miss her every day.

"My sister Dot Blackett and her were close and she misses her especially.

“I found out Ann had Macmillan nurses in helping her and I wanted to do something to mark the anniversary while also raising money to make sure other people could get that support.

“It was good to know that she had their support and this was also my way of saying thank-you for that.”

In under ten minutes Margaret had a whole new look.

Granddaughter Chelsea said: “I am so proud of her and I think she really suits it.

“Her hair has always been short but never like this, but I knew she would do it because she was doing it for Ann.”

Friends Annette and Sheena praised Margaret.

Annette said: “I think she has been really brave, especially choosing to do it on the anniversary, she already has a heart of gold and this just proves it.”

Sheena added: “I think what she is doing is amazing and everyone is just so proud of her.”

Hairdresser Gael was delighted to be able to help.

She said: “This is the first time I have ever helped anyone with 'brave the shave' but when Margaret said she was doing it I was happy to help.”

Staff at the Barbers left out a collection box while colleagues, family and friends donated around £465, taking Margaret’s total to date to over than £500.

Margaret said: “I was hoping to raise about £300 but I can’t believe how much I have raised and how generous and supportive people have been.

“I am so delighted and can't thank everyone enough - my colleagues, family, friends, everyone who has donated and everyone at Roy Smith Barbers.”

You can still pledge to Margaret's Macmillan appeal online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chelsea-greene