AN ALRESFORD mother has shaved her hair off to fight the disease which claimed her two-year-old daughter.

Katie Gallienne gave up her blonde locks on Thursday in memory of Olivia, who was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia at just five weeks old.

Surrounded by friends and family on what she called a "very emotional day", Katie raised more than £1,500 for Piam Brown ward at Southampton General Hospital, where Olivia was treated between 2004 and her death in 2007.

"People have been so, so generous with their support and donations – it's been very touching and emotional," said Katie, a hairdresser in Alresford.

"All my friends and family stood around me, and actually my husband ended up doing it.

"I keep feeling my head – I had hair for over 30 years and not having any is strange!"

This is the third year she has marked Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with a fundraising event to try and beat the disease.

Last year Katie, of Kiln Lane, Old Alresford, and colleagues at Alresford Haircare raised £400 for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent with costumes, ribbons and a raffle. But is taking a break in 2016 to come back with something better than ever.

"We'll probably give next year a miss and we're planning to do something bigger the following year, possibly a fashion show," she said. "It would probably be for Piam Brown again."

Hampshire Chronicle:

Katie with friends, family and supporters at Alresford Haircare (photos by Chris Moorhouse)