A BOURNEMOUTH woman has raised over £500 for two causes close to her heart after shaving her head on her birthday.

Becca Deller, 38, who works for mental health support Steps 2 Wellbeing, braved the shave on Saturday, May 15 to raise vital funds for Bournemouth Hospital and No Butts, the bowel cancer awareness campaign spearheaded by ITV’s Lorraine.

Becca's mum Lynne Deller was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago after attending a check-up.

Following a full mastectomy and reconstruction at Bournemouth Hospital, Lynne has fully recovered and has dedicated her time to fundraising for the hospital.

This year, Becca decided she wanted to take on the fundraising mantle.

Becca said: "After mum recovered she wanted to say thank you to the hospital and staff who looked after her so well. Through fundraising, she wanted to raise £5,000 for Bournemouth Hospital which she achieved, so she upped it to £10,000.

"Mum raised that two years ago, so we decided to continue fundraising. We were going to do more fundraising last year but because of coronavirus, we couldn’t do anything.

"We are both taking part in the virtual Twilight Walk this year, but I also wanted to do something else.

"Mum is such an inspiration to me – she is so strong and positive. I wanted to do a fundraiser on her behalf, so I chose something that would get a lot of attention: shaving my head."

Becca went live on Facebook to shave off her hair, with help from her children and mum.

She hoped to raise £150 for the hospital but quickly surpassed this initial target and has raised £550, which includes cash donations.

The money will be split between Becca's chosen charities, both of which are close to her heart.

Becca said: "A couple of weeks ago my friend Rose from work was diagnosed with bowel cancer, so she asked our friends and colleagues to donate to my fundraiser as a way of helping her.

"It’s really important that people go to their check-ups. My mum was very fortunate that she had her check-ups and screenings when she did as her cancer was very aggressive.

"I didn’t expect to raise more than £150, I just wanted to do something to show mum that I still support her cause. It’s incredible how generous people have been, I’ve been overwhelmed by it all."

To donate to Becca's fundraiser, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/thank-you-rbh