A BRAVE mum battling renal cancer for the second time has raised more than £8,000 to help fund vital research.

Mum-of-two Mandy Parker, from Winsford, even inspired her family and friends to have their heads shaved as well at a fun event at the Rifleman Inn on Saturday.

The 50-year-old wanted to take control and have her head shaved rather than see her hair fall out as she embarks on chemotherapy treatment.

Mandy's husband Simon, 52, a police sergeant in Northwich, said: "The event was absolutely fantastic and the atmosphere was brilliant. We had so much support from all our family and friends, it was awesome.

"Mandy hoped to raise a few hundred pounds. To exceed £8,000 is phenomenal! Nothing like we ever dreamed of.

"At the moment it is not easy to detect kidney cancer early. Mandy hopes the money she raises for Cancer Research UK will help scientists to find an early diagnosis so more lives can be saved."

A cake sale, raffle and guess the birthday of a giant teddy bear raised more than £1,500 on the day. More money is still coming in through donations and sponsorship.

A special thanks to Nicky Whalley at the Rifleman for hosting the event.

Mandy, a housekeeper at Leighton Hospital, had her left kidney removed last October after being diagnosed with renal cancer in July.

After being given the all-clear in April this year, she fell ill again two months later.

She has now been diagnosed with papillary metastic cancer and due to complications the only form of treatment is an unusual form of chemotherapy called Temsirolimus.

Mandy's daughter Danica, 28, cut her hair as her son Dalton joined her husband Simon, relatives and friends to have their heads shaved as well.

Simon said: "The lads just got taken away with the moment and had their heads shaved. Everyone was so supportive. The lads have all donated lots of money."

Mandy has started her ongoing chemotherapy treatment. She attends the Christy Hospital once a week and is looked after by district nurses and fed by tube for nutrition at home during the week.

"She is coping really well at the moment," added Simon. "She was buzzing and still on a high after the weekend. We want to say an overwhelming thank you to everyone for their generosity and support. It means an awful lot to Mandy.

"She gets so many messages every day from lots of family and friends.

"Loads of people we don't even know have been sending donations and lovely messages.

"It has been absolutely fabulous."

DC Leanne Brundrett, who works with Simon, is organising a charity ball at Cranage Hall on November 3.

There are only a few tickets left but businesses are being asked to donate raffle prizes and sponsorship.

Anyone wishing to help can email smn.parker@googlemail.com.