SHE put her hair under the chop to help fight the disease that claimed her two-yearold daughter.

Hampshire mum Katie Gallienne gave up her blonde locks in memory of Olivia, pictured, who was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia at just five weeks old.

Surrounded by friends and family on what she called a “very emotional day”, Katie raised more than £1,500 for Piam Brown ward at Southampton General Hospital, where Olivia was treated between 2004 and her death in 2007.

“People have been so, so generous with their support and donations – it’s been very touching and emotional,” said Katie, a hairdresser in Alresford.

“All my friends and family stood around me, and actually my husband ended up doing it.

“I keep feeling my head – I had hair for over 30 years and not having any is strange!”

Daily Echo:

This is the third year she has marked Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with a fundraising event to try and beat the disease.

Last year Katie, of Kiln Lane, Old Alresford, and colleagues at Alresford Haircare raised £400 for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent with costumes, ribbons and a raffle.

But she said: “We’ll probably give next year a miss and we’re planning to do something bigger the following year, possibly a fashion show.

“It would probably be for Piam Brown again.”