A Sidmouth woman undergoing chemotherapy has shaved her hair to highlight the importance of breast cancer screenings.

Sidmouth Herald: Deborah Parsons is hoping to raise awareness following her own breast cancer diagnosis. Here she is pictured with her two daughters Bethany and Sammy and her two grandchildren. Picture: Deborah ParsonsDeborah Parsons is hoping to raise awareness following her own breast cancer diagnosis. Here she is pictured with her two daughters Bethany and Sammy and her two grandchildren. Picture: Deborah Parsons (Image: Archant)

Deborah Parsons was diagnosed with having an aggressive HER2 strain of the disease on July 28 after having a mammogram.

Mrs Parsons had her locks chopped on Saturday, October 12, in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of the procedure that saved her life and raise money for Sidmouth Living With Cancer.

The 52-year-old said: "Over £500 was raised so I'd like to thank everyone who kindly donated either through Facebook or on the day. Any other donations would be gratefully received in their charity boxes in Fields."

Mrs Parsons also thanked Clare and Caroline, from Fields of Sidmouth, and the department store for hosting the event.

Sidmouth Herald: Deborah Parsons highlights the importance of mammograms and raises money for Sidmouth Living With Cancer. Picture: SubmittedDeborah Parsons highlights the importance of mammograms and raises money for Sidmouth Living With Cancer. Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)

"I really want to highlight to other women to go to their appointment because it could save their life," she added.

The money raised will be donated to Sidmouth Living With Cancer.

Sidmouth Herald: Deborah Parsons highlights the importance of mammograms and raises money for Sidmouth Living With Cancer. Picture: SubmittedDeborah Parsons highlights the importance of mammograms and raises money for Sidmouth Living With Cancer. Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Deborah Parsons highlights the importance of mammograms and raises money for Sidmouth Living With Cancer. Picture: SubmittedDeborah Parsons highlights the importance of mammograms and raises money for Sidmouth Living With Cancer. Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Deborah Parsons highlights the importance of mammograms and raises money for Sidmouth Living With Cancer. Picture: SubmittedDeborah Parsons highlights the importance of mammograms and raises money for Sidmouth Living With Cancer. Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)