A BASINGSTOKE mum celebrated a milestone birthday in an unusual way – by having her trademark pink hair shaved off.

As previously reported in The Gazette, Esther Camp decided to lose her locks to raise money to buy equipment which would significantly change her life. The mother-of-one was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) 11 years ago, but her speech has become significantly worse during the last 12 months and she now struggles to communicate with friends and family.

A Tobii I-15 would enable her to communicate using a computer screen which is controlled by eye movement, but the £12,850 gadget is not available on the NHS. Determined Esther decided to raise the money to buy the equipment herself by having her hair shaved off on her 40th birthday.

Family and friends gathered for the occasion on July 16 at Esther’s home in Warwick Road, Winklebury. Esther’s friend Claire Williams, a hairdresser from Basingstoke, was equipped with a razor for the big day.

As the final strand of bright pink hair fell to the floor, Esther’s family and friends cheered her efforts. Looking in the mirror for the first time at her bald head, Esther said: “It’s not as bad as I thought. I was a little bit nervous beforehand. I was worried about my ears and what they look like!”

Her mum Pat Williams, from Winklebury, added: “I think she’s really brave doing what she’s done. At the same time, I think it’s sad that she has to go to this length to get the help that she needs.

“I have been dreading this but I’m actually quite impressed. It’s not as bad as I thought. Her hair has always meant so much to her so it’s a big thing. She’s brilliant.”

To donate to Esther’s fundraising campaign visit fundrazr.com/campaigns/ dXLb4.

Donations can also be made at one of the following shops in the Winklebury Centre – Greenways Newsagents, John Burton’s Food Market, Winklebury Pharmacy, Winklebury Cycles, Cut and Dry or Mr G’s Cafe.