A CANCER survivor inspired by the late Stephen Sutton has shaved her head to raise money to help tackle the illness.

Julieanne Gwynne, 55, of Brindley Street, Stourport, has already raised £1,000 — having set an original target of £100 — for the Teenage Cancer Trust and has donated her locks to the Little Princess Trust, which provides real-hair wigs to children suffering hair loss.

Ms Gwynne, who works at the Co-operative in Stourport High Street, was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago and was originally given a 50 per cent chance of surviving. She heard the story of fundraiser Stephen Sutton — who died in May aged 19 after suffering from colorectal cancer. So far £4.2 million has been raised in his name for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Ms Gwynne said: “I have been cancer-free for five years and Stephen Sutton has inspired me to give to the charity, I just feel that I want to give something back. Stephen was just amazing. After seeing what he has done it made me think about what I should do so I thought I will donate my hair and raise money.

“I had a number one done and it feels really strange. I feel really proud of myself because I have never done anything like this before. I am absolutely amazed and it is Stephen who had really inspired me to do this.

“A lot of people were saying ‘you are 55 — you can’t have your hair shaved off,’ but look at what Stephen did and he was only a young lad.

“I want to thank all management and colleagues at the Co-op in Stourport, who sponsored me, and also a big thank you to all the customers who sponsored and donated items for the cause.”

Ms Gwynne’s colleague Jane Ward was in charge of the haircut and best friend Nessi Handy took care of her.

The Teenage Cancer Trust is a charity working to improve the quality of life and chances of survival for young cancer patients between the ages of 13 and 24.

To donate, visit the Co-op.