A STOCKTON Heath hairdresser has shaved off a determined Runcorn mum's three-foot long black locks to support her fundraising efforts.

Mima Cornish has donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust to have wigs made for children who lose their hair through cancer, illness or alopecia.

Having raised more than £1,550 for Crisis, Refuge and Hillside Animal Sanctuary, the 45-year-old was keen to thank all involved, including hairdresser Su Plant, from Owen Hair, on London Road.

The courageous transformation to just 3cm of hair will support the homeless, victims of domestic violence and abandoned animals.

Holistic therapist Mima said: "It is 13 years since I had my hair cut short.

"I wanted a change and thought if I do something drastic, it's an opportunity to raise lots of money.

"These charities all mean a lot to me."

Mima used to volunteer for Crisis and saw first hand how it offers a lifeline to the homeless.

She said: "I did a night shift at Christmas – this charity does amazing work.

"The homeless get a full health check, food and advice and it was a very humbling experience."

Mima, who has two daughters, Elsie, aged 16, and Angel, aged 12, also wanted to help women who suffer from abuse.

She said: "Refuge report that one in four women are victims of violence at some time in their lives.

"Two women die a week at the hands of their partners."

The sanctuary she supports has rescued more than 2,000 abandoned animals.

Mima added: "I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated – I didn't think I'd raise that much.

"My hair cut has been a hell of a change, it’s given me a new lease of life."