A woman from Portland is preparing to shave her head in support of her close friend who is undergoing cancer treatment. 

Kellie Sengelow is paying tribute to her good friend and hairdresser of 17 years Tash Wilkins, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in May. 

Tash is currently undergoing chemotherapy and has lost all her hair.

To support her friend, Kellie, 43, has decided to shave off her own hair while raising money for Breast Cancer UK. 

Kellie Sengelow, from Portland, wearing her Breast Cancer UK fundraising t-shirtKellie Sengelow, from Portland, wearing her Breast Cancer UK fundraising t-shirt (Image: Kellie Sengelow) She said: "For most women hair is really important so it can be really difficult when it's taken away from you with no choice. 

"I wanted to support her so she doesn't have to go through this alone.

"I have dyed my hair pink - the colour associated with breast cancer. I often get approached and asked why I've done it and then I can tell them about the fundraiser and head shave.

"It's all about raising as much awareness as possible and supporting my friend."

The head shaving event will take place at the Punchbowl Inn on Easton Street, Portland today - Saturday, September 28 - at 3pm. Tash will be watching from home via a live stream as she is vulnerable to colds which may be circulating. 

Tasha Wilkins was diagnosed with breast cancer in May this yearTasha Wilkins was diagnosed with breast cancer in May this year (Image: Tasha Wilkins) Kellie shared how her friend is "immensely proud" and "touched" for completing the fundraiser in her honour. 

 She added: "When I first told her I told her I was getting my head shaved, she initially said 'oh no you can’t do that'. But she has been blown away by all the support for it and gets quite emotional when we talk about it. 

So far Kellie has raised £475 so far on her online fundraiser and is hoping to raise more money at the event to fight against a disease which "destroys so many lives."

She added: "With cancer most people have either been affected by it or know someone who has. One lady gave me a huge donation and told me she lost her mum to breast cancer.

"I would encourage everyone to come along and show your support. I understand times are hard but even just having people there on the day will mean just as much as donations. 

“Come along show support if you can donate please, do understand times are hard , even if someone can show support – having people there means just as much as donations."

You can donate to Kellie's fundraiser by going to her Justgiving page: https://tinyurl.com/yafnaft6