A BRAVE mum made a toast to her best friend as she shaved her head for charity — just weeks after losing her to cancer.

Chrissie Doherty's battle with cervical cancer inspired friend Deborah Walker to sign up for Macmillan Cancer Support's ‘Brave the Shave’ campaign, raising almost £1,000.

The 44-year-old, from Breightmet, died before she was able to see Deborah go through with the fundraising feat at the Lock Keeper pub, in Radcliffe.

Mum-of-two Deborah, whose parents also died from cancer, said: "Before we started, I lifted my glass and said ‘this is for you Chris’ because she would have been there in spirit.

"The last time I saw her was at her wedding vow renewal about three weeks before. She thought what I was doing was fantastic and if she was well enough she was going to be there.

"It was amazing. Lots of people turned up – family, friends, colleagues past and present. The manager at the pub reserved an area for us and sponsored me as well.

"Even strangers in the pub donated. It was a really good atmosphere, they did a countdown and cheered when it was done, but it was emotional too."

Deborah, aged 44, raised £755 in sponsorship plus more than £200 from colleagues who held a coffee morning at law firm Slater and Gordon, in Manchester.

Her hair — shaved off by staff from Hair Solutions in Radcliffe, who have also offered two free haircuts when it grows back — has been sent to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children going through cancer treatment.

Deborah, an accounts clerk and former fundraiser for Bury Lions, added: "I like giving something back. I wasn’t going to have my hair completely shaved off, but literally seconds before the start, everyone started offering more money and I couldn’t say no.

"I have found that I’m colder since I had it done, but you get used to it. It’s only hair and it will grow back.

"When you tell people what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, it’s amazing how many have been affected by cancer.

"Macmillan helped my parents and Chrissie and I just think it’s a fantastic cause."

To make a donation to Deborah go to bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/deborah-walker.