FOUR days after her 35th birthday, Netherton mum Claire Fellows was given devastating news - she had breast cancer.

She knew that upcoming chemotherapy treatment would result in the loss of her locks, but she wanted it to be on her terms, so braved the shave in aid of charity.

Her charity of choice was the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for youngsters battling the disease.

The mother-of-four said: "Since finding the lump and getting my results, I feel like I haven't had control over anything. But I felt like I had control over this, I said on this date, at this time, I'm going to shave my hair off."

Mrs Fellows, of Copse Road, was joined by her friend Andy Simms for the headshave on July 18 in front of a packed church hall at St John the Evangelist on Dudley Wood Road.

She said she was overwhelmed to see that around 100 supporters had turned up to cheer them on and added: "It was nice to have Andy there for support - he's had long hair for 28 years so it took courage for him to take part."

Mr Simms said he had thought about donating his hair for some time, but decided to take the plunge when his wife told him what Mrs Fellows was doing.

The 52-year-old hopes to do it all over again in five years, if his hair hasn't greyed, when all being well, Mrs Fellows should get the all-clear.

He said: "The charity will accept up to 10 per cent grey hair so it depends what colour it grows back, but I'd like to try and grow it again."

The pair were also delighted to have raised more than £3,360 for the charity through sponsorship, with donations still coming in.

To sponsor Mrs Fellows, visit www.justgiving.com/claire-fellows1234.