A WOMAN whose friends and family have been affected by cancer has ‘braved the shave’ to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Vanessa Tyler moved to Cornwall last year shortly after her father died of pancreatic cancer.

Of her decision to raise funds through Brave the Shave, which took place at the Wilsey Down on Friday night (September 1), Vanessa, who lives in Hallworthy, said: “Resources of Macmillan in west London where we lived were limited and therefore we never had their help.

“Cancer is a cruel disease and the work of Macmillan nurses is so valuable.

“My daddy passed into eternity in February 2016 after a courageously fought battle against pancreatic cancer. Our neighbour Christine died aged 36 after a brave two-year fight against a particularly aggressive breast cancer which spread to her whole body, another friend died of oesophagus cancer only six months after being diagnosed — he left a wife and two young daughters — one only three months old. My nana died of cancer. My husband is a survivor of skin cancer thanks to a quick diagnosis and the availability of a successful treatment on the NHS.

“Everybody I know will either have been through this personally, with a family member or just knows someone who has had cancer. This is a cruel disease and the work of Macmillan is essential in supporting people at every stage of their cancer journey.”

She has raised around £700 so far. To donate to Vanessa, visit https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/vanessa-tyler