A KILBARCHAN woman who lost her godmother to cancer has braved the shave to raise cash for a Renfrewshire hospice.

Lynne Cartwright, 26, was devastated when Carol Pringle was diagnosed with breast and bone cancer.

Carol bravely fought the illness for 13 years but lost her battle five years ago after being cared for at St Vincent’s Hospice, in Howwood.

Lynne was just a teenager when she saw dozens of people suffering from cancer in the hospice and, since losing her godmother in 2012, has been inspired to try to make a difference.

She is currently sporting a bald look after her best friend Gillian Harris agreed to shave off her locks for the charity.

Lynne said it was a scary experience but she has no regrets.

She added: “The way I’ve looked at it is my hair will grow back but these people suffering from terminal cancer won’t get their lives back.

“It was scary having all my hair shaved off and my mum thought I would regret it but I stuck to my guns and did it.

“She eventually came round to the idea and my dad was super supportive.

“I was pleased my best friend Gillian was able to do it for me because I really wanted someone I knew doing the shave.

“I’m keeping the hair in the hope I’ll be able to donate it to a cause who can use it for wigs for cancer patients.”

So far, Lynne has collected more than £200 of sponsorship cash, with other donations still to come in.

The hospice cares for people with life-limiting illnesses all year round and relies on donations for its upkeep and running.

Hospice fundraiser Laura McDade said: “We are all really blown away by Lynne’s amazing, selfless gesture.

“People like Lynne, who give up their time or, in her case, hair to help support hospice care across Renfrewshire are a real inspiration to us all.

“We cannot thank Lynne enough. What an incredibly brave thing to do.”

To find out more about how to help the hospice, visit www.svh.co.uk.