NINA Pasanen has a hairstyle which acts like Velcro and keeps hats firmly stuck to her head.

That's because on Monday, the 27-year-old from Finland lost her shoulder-length, auburn hair to clippers in a fundraising scheme which has brought in £1,500. Nina now sports the closest of head shaves in a gesture of support for a fellow Vitacress worker at St Mary Bourne, Vicci Williams.

Vicci, a single mother of 30 from Andover, is fighting a determined battle against cancer. At Christmas she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery and a reconstruction procedure. But the disease spread to her bones, forcing her onto crutches - but not out of work.

Christine Brown, personnel manager, said: "Vicci has said 'Death is not an option' and we are all mesmerised by her fight.

"People want to do everything they can to help. Some of our workers from overseas were horrified when Nina lost her hair, especially a young man from Sardinia but they all understand and the support has been amazing."

Nina's expected target for the head shave was £500 so she is overwhelmed by the support of her Vitacress colleagues. Workmates have their sights set on getting a Motability car for Vicci.