A MUM has lost her long locks for charity in memory of her dad, who died from cancer five years ago.

Samantha Dye, 38, kissed goodbye to her ponytail before having her head shaved to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

"I'm really excited about it," said Farm Foods shop manager Samantha.

"It's five years since Dad passed away and I wanted to do something to honour that rather than just taking flowers up to the crematorium, so I thought I would donate my ponytail to a charity that makes wigs for people with cancer."

Dad Terry worked at the Tesco filling station before he died.

Samantha, from Clacton, said: "I miss him and wanted to do something to remember him and make a difference for other people.

"Cancer affects everyone – it doesn't discriminate.

"Dad worked until a month before he passed away to make sure his family were taken care of.

"He was a proper dad. He wasn't just a father, he was my best friend – he was everything."

Shelley Hayes, who used to cut Terry's hair, carried out shearing duties at Christine's hairdressing salon in Old Road.

Samantha has already raised more than £600.

She said: "I'm so grateful for the support I have received so far."

Partner Peter Tristram said: "Samantha loved her father to bits - I'm really proud of her."

She is also staging a charity night at Charnellie's restaurant, on Pier Avenue, on July 26 with Clacton Rotary Club.