A TIMPERLEY resident is celebrating a cancer-free decade by cutting off her waist-length dreadlocks for charity in May.

Stacey Barlow, 27, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was just 17, and bravely fought the disease.

She has been growing her dreadlocks for six years.

The former Sale Grammar pupil said: “They have huge sentimental significance to me - it’s a big challenge.

“But they don’t make me who I am. Identity, femininity, beauty and strength radiates from within the person you are.

“I was fortunate not to experience hair loss myself, but I wanted to show anyone who is, that it’s okay.”

‘The dreaded chop’ will take place on May 24, and has already raised £700 for the Teenage Cancer Trust – a cause very close to her heart.

Stacey, who works in her father’s BT Photographic shop in Timperley, said: “I cannot describe what a profound difference their work makes to a young person’s treatment.

“The transition from child to adult is difficult enough, and to be diagnosed with such a life-changing illness at this time is very traumatic. To be taken out of school, away from your friends and placed on a child or adult ward can be very isolating.

“The Teenage Cancer Trust helps to finance teenage-specific wards and support groups; bringing together young people so they can socialise and support one another in a comfortable environment.”

To support Stacey’s effort, visit her fundraising page at www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/staceybarlow1. For more information about the Teenage Cancer Trust, visit http://www.teenagecancertrust.org/.