Former Hunts Post content editor Catherine Bell raised almost £1,200 for Macmillan Cancer Support in just three days after chopping off her long blonde hair – and dying what was left bright pink.

The Hunts Post: Cat after the hair cut.Cat after the hair cut. (Image: Archant)

The mum-of-two from Somersham decided to lose her locks after her younger sister, Vicky, 29, also from Somersham, was diagnosed with breast cancer last month.

Catherine, 31, known as Cat, said: “I am absolutely amazed at the generosity of my family and friends and I want to say a massive thank you to everybody who has donated. I had originally planned on keeping this low-key and just donating the cost of the haircut to Macmillan but after posting pictures of my planned new style on Facebook a few friends got in touch and said they’d like to chip in too. I set up a JustGiving page on Friday and posted a link on my Facebook page. By Monday I had raised nearly £1,200. It’s crazy.”

Stylist Becky Hill, of Fenstanton salon Hair Razors, donated her time for free and also supplied the shocking pink hair colour. The salon, in Rookery Place, will be taking part in Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday, September 26.

Cat added: “People keep telling me I’m brave, but I’m not. Vicky had been growing her hair for her wedding in April next year but it started falling out after her first chemotherapy session so she shaved it all off – that’s brave. I couldn’t let her do this alone.”

Cat has sent her hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that makes real-hair wigs for children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

The sisters’ younger brother is also getting in on the fundraising act. Jamie, 24, who works in One Stop in Somersham, will be shaving his head in the shop on Saturday, September 27. He has so far raised £400 through sponsorship from customers.

INFORMATION: To support Cat’s fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/Catherine-Bell7. Donations for Jamie’s head shave can be left at One Stop, High Street, Somersham.