THE heartbreak of seeing ‘too many’ family and friends afflicted by cancer made a Tenbury woman determined to do something to help.

But Eila Tucker, aged 63, has a number of medical problems that prevent her from following the example of her daughters and taking part in sponsored walks and running.

So having seen an appeal by Macmillan on television Eila found a way to help by having her head shaved.

Determined to do her bit Eila got a Tenbury head dresser to help.

“So I went and had my head shaved by Nina at Halo's in Tenbury,” said Eila.

“I decided that I wanted to do this because as a family we have lost several members to this horrible illness and we have also had friends and family successfully battle it.

“As I am over 60 and have severe mobility problems making it impossible to do the charity runs this was something I could willingly do.”

In the first place Eila was going to find a wig but now she has decided to show he head with pride.

“People who have chemotherapy often lose their hair and in a small way this is a way of showing solidarity with them,” added Eila.

“So many people suffer from cancer or know people that have or have had the disease. There is hardly a family in the country that has not been touched by cancer.

“I thought that even if I could not take part in physical activities there was something that I could do. Hopefully people will realise that there will always be some way in which they can make a contribution.”

Eila said that although there is regularly news of progress in the fight against cancer ‘too many people’ continue to suffer and die from the disease and that a lot still needs to be done.

“My hair is already starting to grow back so it is not such a big thing,” Eila added.

“When by daughters asked what I would do if my dead did not grow back I said I could always get it coloured to match my nails or my handbag.”