SHE is known for her rainbow hair but a Birchwood Lion had it all shaved off in memory of a loved one.

Erica Collins, of Sandicroft Close, lost her locks to raise money and awareness for the Lion International Blood Research Appeal (Libra) which supports life-saving research at Kings College Hospital, London.

The unit is a world leader in the fight against blood cancers.

Erica chose the appeal because her stepdaughter Gemma Jones died of leukaemia in 2009 just before her 29th birthday.

The head shave at Birchwood Shopping Centre has raised more than £1,000.

Erica, who is married to Gemma's dad Barry, said: "So many people are touched by blood cancers and it's amazing how generous people have been.

"The only thing that worried me was that Barry might get upset as Gemma lost her hair when she was battling leukaemia."

Barry, aged 66, added: "I did have a tear in my eye when I first saw Erica but the main thing is we're helping others.

"We're doing everything we can for Kings College Hospital and by doing so perhaps another family won't have to go through what we did."

Meanwhile, Erica is enjoying her new style.

The 58-year-old said: "On the first night we out in the evening and I had a glimpse of myself in the mirror and had a shock.

"But since then I've actually quite liked it. I've found out I've got a widow's peak and you can still see a bit of colour in it. Barry thinks he's got a new woman!"

Retired PC Erica started dying her hair multicoloured six and a half years ago when she saw a girl with rainbow hair at Cheshire Oaks.

"I thought it was a bit like a work of art," she said.

"I hadn't seen anything like it before. I don't care if people notice or not, I do it because I like it and because I can."

Erica and Barry's year-long campaign to help raise funds for Libra has reached £7,000.

To make a donation visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/lionsbn