A MUM who did not lose her hair during chemotherapy has had it shaved off anyway.

Jean Simpson, 62, says she wanted to 'give something back' to Cancer Research UK.

Jean has also told how she decided to have what she thought was a healthy breast removed after her first mastectomy – and discovered the decision may have saved her life.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995 and treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

A routine mammogram in 2010 found cancer in the same breast and she had a mastectomy.

Jean said: “I didn’t like the look I was left with, having just one breast. I was offered reconstruction surgery but I didn’t want to risk putting myself through an operation and still not like the look.”

She told her consultant she wanted her other breast removed.

She added: “When I went back for a follow-up appointment, the consultant said I had done the right thing because they had found a small growth behind the nipple of my supposedly healthy breast which had gone undetected on the mammogram.”

She urged other women to examine themselves and added: “It is also OK not to have reconstruction surgery.

“I have no regrets whatsoever.

“If anything, I am more out there than I have ever been in my life. I used to cover up but now I don’t mind wearing tight T-shirts.”

Jean, who was supported by husband Ted and their four daughters, aged 29 to 40, said: “When you are told you need chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the first thing many women think about is losing their hair.

“I was fortunate not to lose mine but I looked on it as something that was going to save my life, and so it was not a big deal for me.

“My motto is the only way is up. My approach has been helped by the wonderful care I received at the breast care unit at Poole Hospital.”

Jean had her head shaved at Celly’s Hair Salon in Poole on Saturday.

To sponsor her, please call Shelley Davies on 07887 651158.