A chance opportunity to join a breast screening programme changed Debbie Martin-Lawson's life forever.
Even though she was the below the mammogram age, she took up the invitation and went ahead for the test at St Luke's in Bradford, and a lump was discovered requiring further treatment.
At that point, about a year ago, as for all families in the same situation, Debbie's life changed.
She recalls: " I had to go for a biopsy. I was calm and positive throughout, my nurse training helped, but my husband was a complete mess. When the news came back I was fine my husband was elated. However when I sit on my own I think about all the other ladies who went that day and had bad news."
As a result, she planned to celebrate a different way and signed up for Macmillan's Brave the Shave. "I wanted to put myself right in the spotlight for this great cause. I think women who lose their hair are warriors, strong and brave battling on. I'm honoured to join your special club and be part of your clan and the funds I raise help towards your care."
She has so far raised more than £700 after the shave in Halifax last week, and has donated her locks to the Princess Trust which makes wigs from real hair for youngsters.
She added: " I will be so pleased if they can use just one piece of my hair. It's a truly beautiful thing to do. To think that your hair is making a child feel good about themselves at such a difficult time. "
And she hasn't got over seeing her reflection. "Even now I catch myself in a mirror and have an internal scream...is that me??"
Her efforts have made her husband so proud and she's thinking of keeping it short until after an upcoming Prodigy concert.
"My husband wasn't keen at first but he came round when he realised I wasn't changing my mind. Now he's super proud which is lovely and people who know me say how brave I am but I don't feel brave. I just feel humbled that I've helped in a very small way and blessed that WE raised over £700.
" I feel free for some reason and tough at the same time. People in general don't seem bothered by it, its now accepted as normal, but I have had to explain to some worried ladies at the checkout in the local supermarket who thought I was ill. When I told them about it they loved it. It's hair and mine will grow back. It's a small piece of me. So yeah... I feel badass so I may do short for a while plus I'm off to a Prodigy gig later this month so I'm gonna rock it. Turning fifty made me want to get out of my comfort zone and I sure did that".
Top effort Debbie. If you're raising money for charity in an amazing way let CHFT Weekly know chft@cht.nhs.uk