A WOMAN who survived cancer, only for her mother to die of a similar disease, has used her experience to help raise money for charity by having her hair shaved off.

Carol Toro, who works as a School Meals Supervisory Assistant at St Anselm’s School in Harrow, underwent the close cut at Headmasters hairdressers in Harrow town centre on 20 July.

Part of Macmillan’s ‘Brave the Shave’ campaign, she raised more than £500 and hopes that taking part will encourage more people to sign up next year.

The 53-year-old was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma 12 years ago and considers herself “lucky” to have survived.

However, her mother, Margaret, passed away in April this year after being diagnosed with two forms of cancer.

Carol explained that she decided to raise money for Macmillan in memory of her mum and to support those who are suffering from cancer or have also lost loved ones to the condition.

“I have done this to help those who are going or will go through this awful disease. If I can contribute to helping one child or adult then I’m the happiest person in the world,” she said.

“No matter how small your contribution, it will make a difference. Thank you so much to all those who have supported me in this.”

Pupils, parents and staff at St Anselm’s have got behind Carol and her fundraising effort from the moment she decided to take part.

Cindy Ingram, a parent to one of the students at the school and a friend of Carol’s, said: “She is a super lady and always thinks of others. The children at St Anselm’s love her as she is like a mother hen.”

Kapil, the hairdresser who had the honour of completing the shave, described Carol as “an amazingly brave lady” and said it was an “inspiration” to be part of the campaign.

Donations can still be made at bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/yeranouhi-carol-toro