A CANCER-sufferer who has supported people whose lives have been affected by crime is to host a charity fund-raising evening in aid of Victim Support.

Helen Windsor has pledged to have her head shaved next month in an attempt to fill the coffers for the charity's South Worcestershire branch.

She suffers from ovarian cancer and can no longer make home visits, but still tries to help the branch in any way she can.

The 43-year-old wants to encourage more people to think about volunteering for Victim Support.

"It is quite tough to get through the interview process," said Miss Windsor.

"I felt incredibly honoured to be chosen because they knew I was ill right from the start.

"Victim Support does not discriminate against people. It believes in equality and I would say to people that if you want to give it a go, then do it.

"I was a victim of crime six years ago and I decided that I wanted to give something back to the charity that helped me."

The fund-raising evening will take place at Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, on Monday, February 22.

Victim Support Week runs from Friday, February 19, to Thursday, February 25.

During the evening, Miss Windsor will have her head shaved by a hairdresser from Worcester's Jon Designer Group.

People can also call in and have their hair trimmed by a hairdresser from the High Street branch and make donations to the charity.

Organisers are urging Worcestershire businesses to either pledge a donation or provide a prize for a charity auction, due to be held on the same night.

The South Worcestershire branch of Victim Support receives £21,000 a year, but the rest of its income comes from fund-raising. The branch fears it will have to cut services if more money is not found.

Anyone who would like to pledge support for the fund-raising event should call the branch on 01905 28252.

Budding volunteers are urged to contact Sam Lawson, the branch co-ordinator, on the same number.