A Norwich teaching assistant is planning to shave off all of her hair to raise money for a cancer charity.

Standing in solidarity with other cancer victims, Tina Rawlinson will 'brave the shave' next month in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 35-year-old, who works at the Hall School in St Faith's Road, Old Catton, said she made the decision to support people living with and survivors of cancer, after seeing colleagues and her best friend suffer from the disease.

Ms Rawlinson, from Hercules Road, Hellesdon, said after losing loved ones to cancer, she had seen how it can strip a person of their dignity, control, confidence and ultimately self esteem and identity.

She said: 'I have been raising money for Macmillan for a while. Hair is such a big thing around your treatment.

'For many of us, our hair defines who we are. When you lose your hair, you are, in a way, laying yourself bare. There is nowhere to hide.'

In 2010, doctors thought initially that Ms Rawlinson was infertile but soon discovered through blood test results that she had a benign brain tumour.

She said: 'I was surprised to discover that hair is such a huge thing around your treatment. I would have chosen to lose my hair. By shaving my hair off, I am able to raise money and highlight the decisions people have to make in their treatment plan.'

Macmillan was founded in 1911 and has grown to be a leading source of cancer support. The charity wants to provide help to everyone who is affected by the disease and to encourage the public to achieve their goal from fundraising, to volunteering and campaigning.

This year so far, more than 1,800 people have decided to take part in its 'brave the shave' fundraising effort, raising more than £650,000 so far.

Ms Rawlinson added: 'I am nervous as to what I will look like without hair but it will be a way of showing support to cancer victims.'

The head shave will take place on July 10 at the Hall School.

For more information on how Ms Rawlinson is raising money to support cancer victims, or to support her fundraising, visit https://bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/tina-rawlinson/