INSPIRED by her mother’s indomitable spirit in the face of terminal cancer, a mum of two has braved the scissors to lose a lifetime of long locks.

Amy Bowes has had a foot of her dark brown hair, which hasn’t been cut since childhood, shorn to raise money for Cancer Research.

After five long years of fighting and at just 45 years old, Prudhoe resident Jackie Flanagan lost her battle against triple negative breast cancer in May this year.

Husband, Rob Flanagan (50) said: “She was diagnosed in August 2010 and went through a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

“But a week later she was doing the Race for Life. She was just that type of person.

“She knew she would never get a cure herself but by raising money other people might do.”

Amy added: “She was just totally selfless; she thought about everyone else before herself.

“I miss her terribly.”

Now alongside step-dad Rob, Amy (26) is determined to do all she can to fund more research into triple negative breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the condition.

So on September 2, her friend and hairdresser Ashley Rand will snip off 12 inches of hair – which will be donated to the Little Princess Trust who provide wigs and hair pieces for children who suffer hair loss due to cancer treatment.

Amy, who is mum to Natasha (6) and Lucy (1) said: “Mum was such a strong and brave lady and I felt that I needed to so something myself.

“When Mum lost her hair the first time I saw how much she hated it so when I heard of the Little Princess Trust I thought that would be a good thing to do.

“I was quite nervous about it because I’ve always had long hair and it’s been a bit of a comfort blanket.

“But it’s just hair, it will grow back and it’s for such a good cause so it’s worth it.”

So far Amy has raised close to £700 for Cancer Research through sponsorship.

Rob said: “I am proud of Amy she’s had long hair for as long as I’ve known her so it’s a big thing for her to do.

“I would do it myself but I don’t think they’d get much!”

For more information or to donate visit: www.justgiving.com/Amy-Robson2/