A FORMER pub landlady and her grandson have had all their hair shaved off for Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of the family and friends they have lost to the disease.

Barbara Williams ran the Cornwood Inn with her husband until three years ago, but now lives in Thurlestone.

Barbara, along with her grandson Carlos Viegas, 14, from Newton Ferrers, decided to have her hair shaved off at the Hair Shack in Ivybridge for the cancer charity, a cause close to both their hearts.

Two years ago, Barbara lost her sister to cancer. At the same time, another friend also succumbed to the disease, and just six weeks ago, yet another died. Barbara also has a niece who has a brain tumour, and she says that throughout everything, Macmillan has always been very good.

Barbara says she likes to ’do what she can’ for charity. She came up with the idea of the head shave, and was pleased when Carlos was keen to take part in memory of his aunt.

Barbara said: ’I didn’t look up while I was having it done, but when they finished I caught sight of myself in the mirror. When I saw, I just sat there and cried. It was my sister looking back at me. She lost all her hair before she died, from having chemotherapy.’

Between them, Barbara and Carlos have raised several hundred pounds for Macmillan. She added: ’It’s something for them anyway. As I always say, you never know when you might need them.’