A young Sidmouth mum undergoing chemotherapy wanted to raise a bit of money for a charity that has supported her – but she has been ‘overwhelmed’ to see the total soar to more than £2,000.

Diagnosed with breast cancer just before her daughter’s first birthday, Stacey Thomson has come to terms with the fact she will lose her hair during her treatment.

She is determined to stay positive and is set to shave her head this afternoon (Friday) for Exeter’s Force – but didn’t even expect to hit her £150 target.

“I’m gobsmacked,” said the 26-year-old. “I can’t believe it. I thought, it’s nearly Christmas and people might give a couple of pounds. It’s amazing.

“I had my second lot of chemotherapy and my hair started falling out last week. I was talking to my friend about shaving my head and she said, just do it.

“Force have been really helpful. I thought it would be good to give something back.

“I didn’t even think I would get £150. I want to thank everyone who’s donated.”

Stacey, who lives in Manstone Avenue with partner Martyn Carnall, found a lump and was diagnosed in September with breast cancer, which has spread to her lymph nodes.

“The room just went blank,” she said. “I couldn’t take in what the doctor was saying. You think it only happens to other people. It can happen at any age.

“I’ve got a one-year-old, Ella-Rose. We found out just before her first birthday. Everyone was devastated, but they’ve been really supportive.

“Everyone says ‘you’re so brave’, but I’m just doing what I’ve got to do. Anyone would do the same in my position. I cried when I got the diagnosis but I try to stay positive.

“Waiting for scans is the worst. I feel like treatment is the easy bit, even though it makes you feel rubbish. You’ve got to feel worse to feel better.”

Stacey hopes to get the all-clear by next Christmas. In the meantime, her chemotherapy has meant she cannot risk getting ill, so has been unable to go to groups with Ella-Rose. She hopes to take a family trip through the Willow Foundation, a charity that funds ‘special days’ for people who are seriously ill.

Stacey also tries to stick to normality and works as a cleaner at Sidmouth Town AFC, where she said bosses have been ‘really flexible’ when she has needed to take time off.

You can help take her fundraising total even higher by clicking here.