A FORMER hospice nurse diagnosed with breast cancer is set to raise £4,000 for a charity by shaving off all of her hair.

Tracy Brown was told she has breast cancer in November and is set to begin her first bout of chemotherapy today.

Ahead of her treatment, Tracy's doctors have told her to expect all her hair to fall out during her second cycle. In total she is set to have six bouts of chemotherapy.

On Sunday, the 56-year-old, who worked as a St Helena Hospice palliative care nurse and in the former Jefferson Ward in Essex County Hospital, shaved off her head with the help of husband Nick and daughter Sarah, 36.

The grandmother of three, of Ladysmith Avenue, Brightlingsea, said: "My original target was £250 so to get close to £4,000 is just unbelievable."

The shave took place in the Brightlingsea Community Centre in front of dozens of supporters.

Tracy added: "Having so many people there really helped with my confidence.

"I thought I would be more self-conscious but I'm really not. Once I'm not out in the cold or in a cafe, I'm happy to take my hat off and just relax.

"People have been so kind."

Tracy's Just Giving page has so far raised £2,235 but on Sunday more than £1,500 was pledged in cash from supporters.

All the money will go to the Breast Cancer Now charity.