A BRAVE Bradford woman took part in a sponsored head shave to raise money for a leading cancer charity.

Helen Wonford, an underwriter at the Yorkshire Building Society, had her hair shaved in memory of her late father-in-law Randal at the building society’s headquarters in Yorkshire Way.

Ms Wonford said: “In October last year my father-in-law Randal was diagnosed with lung cancer, and at the time what Randal feared most was losing his hair due the treatment.

“He was delivered life-changing news and was scared of how society would perceive him, so I made my mind up at that point as a show of solidarity to shave my head.

“Sadly, Randal’s condition deteriorated much quicker than anyone originally thought it would and he lost his battle with cancer on February 27.

“I never got to tell Randal about my plan as I’d wanted it to be a surprise but his journey has only strengthened my resolve to go through with it.

“This is the second time cancer has affected my family and the second time charities have stepped forward to help and support our needs during such a critical time; first with my Nana and more recently with Randal.

“I’m raising money for Marie Curie this month in hope that they will always be there as a pillar of support to everyone who is in need, so the loved ones of those with cancer never have to go through this alone.”

Ms Wonford’s efforts are part of the Yorkshire Building Society’s Hour of Need campaign, the most ambitious drive in the society’s history for Marie Curie, aiming to raise £1 million by the end of the year.

The money will enable Marie Curie nurses, such as the nurses at the Marie Curie Hospice in Maudslay Street, to provide even more vital support for people living with a terminal illness across the UK.

Every £20 raised during the fundraising campaign will fund one hour of care and the Yorkshire Building Society is aiming to raise £1 million by December 2016, which works out as two hours of care by a Marie Curie nurse for every hour of the campaign.

Katie Grinter, Marie Curie community fundraiser for Bradford, said the head shave was a great gesture.

She said: “We were sorry to hear about Helen’s family loss and it is a really touching tribute that she will be undertaking this challenge in memory of Randal.

“The money she raises will make a real difference and help Marie Curie Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones at a time when they need us the most.”

If you would like to sponsor Helen please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Helen-wonford.