A KELTY youth worker is braving the shave all in the name of charity.

Sophie Cain, 19, is losing her locks later this month for Macmillan Cancer in memory of former colleague Mairi Fowkes McKain who lost her life to cancer in August 2018.

"I looked up and inspired to be like Mairi, she always helped me through my hard times always knew how to put a smile on everyone's faces, helped me gain the confidence I have today and supported me through my volunteering path which helped me get the job I have today," she explained.

"Mairi was the Community Education Worker for Kelty and seeing her do her job and how happy she was doing it helping others out, inspired me in what I want to do in the future. My dream is to become a Community Education Worker in my home town, Kelty."

Sophie, who also works in Scooples in Kelty, said although nervous about the fundraiser, she is keen to support a charity so close to her heart.

"People keep asking how I'm feeling and if I'm nervous," she said. "I was nervous to send in my application – I have been telling my friends and family for about a year, maybe more, that I have wanted to do it but never built the courage to do it.

"Now it's happening, I don't feel nervous anymore – it will grow back eventually. I have been asked a lot are you going to buy wigs and wear hats after you have shaved your hair, but the way I see it is why shave your hair for a charity to just cover it back up again. I'm showing my support and raising money for the charity not to hide it."

Anyone wanting to help with Sophie's fundraising can do so by visiting https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/sophie-cain.