A MUM is set to part with her locks in memory of a friend who died from cancer and in support of a teenage girl battling the disease.

Diane Hambley, of East Road, Oakfield, Cwmbran, is set to have her first hair cut in around 10 years to raise money for Sarcoma UK and Hospice of the Valleys.

She had planned to continue growing her hair but that changed after her friend Kate Smith passed away in October aged 36 from breast cancer which spread to her brain.

Another friend's 14-year-old daughter from Blackwood, is also battling the disease.

"We all know someone who is battling cancer or who has lost their battle," said mum-of-three Diane, who works in the force control room for Gwent police.

"I recently lost a friend to cancer she was so young, and I also have a friend with a daughter near my own daughter's age who is fighting this dreaded disease enduring all treatments, both of them with the most beautiful smiles.

"I felt I needed to do something."

The cut, which will take place before Diane's 42nd birthday on March 6 at Euphoria Tanning, will see her lose around 18 inches of hair which will be donated to the Little Princess Trust to make a wig for a child.

She has already raised £135 and is hoping to reach £250.

To support Diane visit her Virgin Money Giving page at bit.ly/2joo0ft.