TWO TEACHERS from a Penarth special school showed their support for a parent who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer by having their heads shaved in aid of charity.

Ysgol Erw’r Delyn ex-deputy head teacher Diane Kelland and assistant head teacher Catherine Mumford shed their long hair in front of pupils, staff and parents at the school on Monday afternoon.

Julia Elliot, who has a son at the school, is set to undergo a double mastectomy this week before she starts a course of chemotherapy where she is expected to lose her own hair

School governor Julia, who lives in Sully, said she found it “humbling” that the two teachers had decided to shave their heads in aid of Breast Cancer Campaign, and described the school as “like a family” for the way they had supported her.

“It’s a very humbling feeling and I feel very privileged that they have done it to support me,” she said.

“It’s very much a family school and the way they support you in every way shows the dedication of the staff.”

She added: “The support from all directions has been tremendous.

“It’s very humbling to see so many people are rooting for you.

“The pupils are so special themselves and they give you the inspiration to fight it too.”

Diane Kelland and Catherine Mumford had their hair cut and shaved by deputy respite manager and former hairdresser Lisa Ryan. Catherine’s daughter Isabelle, who attends Stanwell School, also helped cut her mum’s long hair.

Diane, who lives in Barry, said: “We wanted to do something to show our support.

“My dad used to say to me ‘there’s only a week between a good hair cut and a bad hair cut’, so I’ll be using that to get me through it.”

After the haircut Diane, 66, added: “For me it means an extra five minutes in bed in the morning.

“The realisation of what’s happened will probably sink in in a few days.”

Catherine, who lives in Penarth, said after her head shave: “It feels a bit strange now but I’ll get used to it.

“We were a bit worried with the weather this morning when it was really windy as it will be getting colder.

“Julia has been very kind though and brought us woolly hats and scarves.”

Diane and Catherine were hoping to raise £200 for Breast Cancer Campaign but have already smashed their target by raising more than £700

They can still be sponsored at https://www.justgiving.com/catherine-mumford