MERCHANT Navy officer Helen Coultas was involved in a very close shave inspired by the specialist medical care her lifelong friend is receiving.

Helen, 23, who grew up in Lostock Green, shaved her head for a charity supporting The Christie Hospital, where her friend is being treated.

Helen and Sheryl Luke, 23, from Allostock, have been friends since they were young children, and Sheryl is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for a benign tumour.

Helen, a 2nd Officer in the Merchant Navy, decided to raise money for the world-famous hospital, and shaved her head on the first day of 2016.

She was hoping to raise £500, but has smashed her target, with the current total on her justgiving online donations page standing at £1,011 from 38 donations.

“Sheryl and I have been hair buddies for a long time,” said Helen.

“When we were both 13 we cut our own fringes and ended up looking pretty weird indeed – but at least we were weird together.

“So when I found out that Sheryl would be undergoing chemotherapy I felt it was only right that I honoured our agreement and the true meaning of being hair buddies.

“I shaved my head so we can raise money for The Christie, who are treating Sheryl and people like her.

“They’ve already done so much for my family and friends before now, and no doubt you all know or will know someone who has been helped by them.

“I hoped to raise £500, and have got over £1,000 so far. Even the smallest donation people can give will be put to good use as The Christie puts 83p out of every £1 donated towards the cause of treating cancer and researching ways of beating it.”

Helen and Sheryl have been friends for about 20 years, and attended Lach Dennis playgroup and local schools.

Anyone who would like to support Helen’s head shave fundraiser can visit the Hair Buddies donations page at www.justgiving.com/Helen-Coultas

The Christie Charity raises money for a range of projects and initiatives focusing on four main areas, research, care and treatment, education and extra patient services.