Three brave volunteers have had their long locks chopped in a bid to raise vital funds to pay for cancer treatment for a family friend.

Fifteen-year-old Amy Groves and her younger sister Evie, who is 10, together with Amy’s godmother Fay Matthews-Jones faced the scissors on Tuesday evening to boost the fundraising campaign of Warrington Guardian columnist Mel O’Neill, who has been battling cancer for the past 10 years and needs £1,200 for each dose of her medication.

Not only will the trio’s efforts help Mel pay for her essential treatment every three weeks but their hair will be donated to Little Princess Trust, to make real hair wigs and hair pieces for children and young people who have lost their own due to cancer.

Amy has donated her hair to the charity in the past but this time the experience had added poignancy as the teenager wanted to have her hair cut in memory of Birchwood High School’s Terry McAlinden, known as Miss Mac, who died last year aged 43 after a fierce battle with cancer.

Warrington Guardian: Before the big chopBefore the big chop

The sisters have received support from classmates and staff at both of their schools – Birchwood High School and Gorse Covert Primary School.

A spokesperson for Birchwood High School said: “Miss Mac intended to lead a charitable hair cur event at school before lockdown so this is a really fitting tribute to a wonderful woman from a fabulous student.

“Amy has donated her hair previously and we applaud her for taking the chop again as it really is a brave and selfless gesture.”

Gorse Covert staff said there are some “amazing and generous children” at the school.

To make a donation to the fundraising page, which has so far raised almost £4,100 - £500 from the haircuts - visit https://gofund.me/56fc8aff