A TEENAGER has shaved off her hair in a show of solidarity with her beloved mum who is battling breast cancer.

Olivia Pratt, 19, raised £1,000 for charity in the process.

The former pupil of Park High School, who now works as a retail assistant at the Nisa Local store in Skipton Road, Colne, decided on a dramatic new look for the New Year, a number one crop, as a show of support to mum Julie Hind.

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Julie, 55, is halfway through a course of chemotherapy at Burnley General Hospital, which has caused her hair to fall out.

Olivia, who lives with mum, dad David and sister Lauren, 16, in Townley Street, Colne, said: “I’m not going to lie. I was scared at having a number one cut.

“I knew it would draw attention when I walked round a supermarket or went into a shop or a bar. But I go to those places a lot with my mum and if looking at me diverts one pair of eyes from staring at her then that’s an achievement.

“Mum’s hair loss really dented her confidence.

“She was embarrassed by it and would always wear bandanas, scarves or hats in front of people. She wouldn’t let anyone see her without her head covered up.

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“I wanted to show her it didn’t matter so I thought we could be bald together.

“I messaged family and friends and told customers coming into the shop that I would shave my hair off in return for a donation to Rosemere Cancer Foundation, which is helping to fund the new chemotherapy unit at Burnley and supporting mum.”

Olivia contacted her hairdresser, Daniella, of Madstar Hair Design, Colne, asking her to cut her hair in front of a 30-strong crowd.

Olivia said: “Mum cut my ponytail and Daniella finished the job.

“Mum got quite emotional but then she took her hat off with everyone watching so it was more than worth it.

“I can’t believe how generous everyone has been.”

Louise Grant, Rosemere Cancer Foundation fundraising co-ordinator, said: “Olivia’s family and friends must be so proud of her.”