My best friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer in the seventh month of pregnancy. Her baby is now here and healthy but she will be having chemotherapy, then surgery and radiotherapy, on top of getting to grips with being a first time mum.

For her and others in a similar situation, or their family and friends, it is important to have a place where they can find answers to difficult questions and are able to ask for help when it is needed.

Macmillan Cancer Support is a really important charity that provides emotional and financial support, as well as a range of practical information and an online community, to those affected by cancer. All the good work they do costs money though, so...

(The bit where I ask you for money is coming up soon. I understand that in the 21st century everyone complains that they don't have time to read anything so reading further is not obligatory. You only really need to know that the clue is in the title and the button to donate is a big green bar in the top right. Thanks!)

As a result of the necessary treatment, my best friend's going to lose her beautiful hair. Shaving my own hair off is a little thing I can do to remind her that she's not alone - and hopefully raise lots of sponsorship money for a good cause too!

I'm going to shave my head on Monday June 3rd. I promise before and after (and maybe during!) photos of the removal of hair from my potentially odd shaped head. I am trying to raise as much sponsorship money as possible so, of course, please donate as much as you can.

A word for you sponsors: "Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity."

Please be generous and don't forget to share this page with your family and friends. Thank you!