A MOTHER-of-five from Chepstow is preparing to shave off her hair for a cancer charity after being diagnosed with the illness for the fifth time in eight years.

Lisa Clayton, along with her two sons, Kris and Steve Morgan, and her brother, Paul Clayton, have all signed up to Macmillan's Brave the Shave campaign, setting themselves a fundraising target of more than £1,000.

Ms Clayton was first diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and has since endured a number of operations and courses of radiotherapy treatment at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

Following a regular check-up in August this year, Ms Clayton was told that small specks which were previously unmeasurable could be now identified as cancerous and were inoperable.

The next step in her treatment is to undergo a course of chemotherapy, a gruelling four to six months of treatment which will hopefully control and hold back the cancer.

Hair loss is a common side effect of the powerful drugs used in chemotherapy, with people usually starting to lose their hair a few weeks after treatment begins.

Ms Clayton believes her fundraiser will help her feel more in control of her future.

She said: “I signed up to the Brave the Shave as I wanted to take charge and be in control of the effects of chemotherapy and my hair loss.

“Macmillan Cancer Support has always supported me and my family throughout my cancer journey, and I wanted to give something back to them.”

“My family and friends have always been there for me throughout my journey and this time is no different.

My brother Paul and two sons, Steven and Kris, will brave the shave with me, supported by local barber, Luke Venn, and hairdressers Catherine Munday and Sophie Guest, who will be shaving all our hair off.

“Everybody probably knows someone who has been affected by this horrible disease. Let’s stand together and help families who have been affected by raising as much money as possible for this wonderful charity at this event.”

Ms Clayton and her family will shave their heads on Friday, September 28, 7.30pm, at the Burnt Barn Social Club, Bulwark.

Everyone is welcome to come along.

The event will include a raffle with lots of prizes donated by local businesses.

To sponsor Ms Clayton and her family, visit: https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/lisa-clayton/