Viv's big clipper gesture

Viv Critchley, from Molyneux Drive, took the bold decision to have her head shaved at the age of 67 to show her support for cancer research.

She waved goodbye to her shoulder-length locks. at a family fun day event at Molyneux Drive Community Centre on Friday to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

She said: “My daughter braved the shave last year and since then I thought, what’s the point in going bald to spread cancer awareness if you’re not raising money for it?

“Gordon Marsden did the first cut of my hair. He said it was like beheading Anne Boleyn! He was standing over me witha handful of hair and I think he felt worse about it than I did.

“People assume that losing your hair is a very difficult thing for a woman to do and I suppose in a way it is, but you have to keep these things in perspective.

“It will grow back - I’ll just be walking around bald for a little while!”

Viv raised £1,200 at her fun day event, where guests were treated to a free buffet, took part in a raffle and released helium balloons in celebration of their loved ones.

The mum-of-three was inspired by the strength of her close friend Margaret Berry, 75, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with lung cancer in January.

She said: “They told her that the chemotherapy would make her bald so I said ‘we’ll go bald together’.

“I feel fine. It’s not chemotherapy and it will grow back.

“I asked my daughter if she felt vulnerable after losing her hair, and she said it was very empowering - like a fresh start.

“Margaret is delighted. I think it’s given her a boost of confidence.

“Her first round of treatment was very difficult.

“Luckily she’s got a great personality and she was laughing and joking all the way through it. She’s got the right attitude.

“When her hair first started falling out she bought a wig and she was going around wearing that, but as the days came up to the shave she didn’t bother with it.

“At least now she’s not the only bald old lady walking around!”