Thrifty grandmother of five Maggie Lee does not want to see anything go to waste.

The 48-year-old night worker at Coombe End Court residential home in Marlborough was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and is about to undergo chemotherapy, which will result in her losing all her hair.

So she had the whole lot taken off on Monday to raise sponsorship for the residents’ amenity fund and has already collected in excess of £500.

Mrs Lee, who lives in accommodation at the home but is shortly to move to a house in Newby Acre, said: “I had an op to remove a breast in June and I will start my chemo on August 13.

“I will lose my hair anyway so I thought I could make some money for the residents with this head shave.”

The deed was done by the home’s manager, Sue Linsley, who has some experience of hairdressing. She said: “While I was still at school I had a Saturday job at Eleganz in Devizes, so I know enough to take off Maggie’s locks.”

And Mrs Lee was not on her own in the barber’s chair. Her fellow staff member, 20-year-old Jamie Hughes, also had his hair shaved. The pair have together raised £500 in sponsorship but there is more to come.

Mrs Lee said: “My local, the Queen’s Head, is also getting involved in raising sponsorship, and they took £200 in just three days, so I think we will have a tidy sum by the end of it.”

There is a poignant twist in the tail to Mrs Lee’s story. She said: “A few days before I was diagnosed my mother was given the all-clear from her cancer. That’s the way it goes. It is hereditary, although my daughter, Sarah, seems to be clear.”

Anyone who would like to contribute to the fund should ring Sue Linsley at the home on (01672) 512075.