A DUNSTER woman is planning to mark the tenth anniversary of her father's death by raising vital funds for research into the disease which claimed his life.

Linda Howells lost her father Vivien to bowel cancer in 2002 and is staging three sponsored events this year to boost the funds of Cancer Research UK.

Her challenges will include pounding the local footpaths and cycling the lanes but her final money spinning stunt will not only bring in the pennies but also have a practical spin-off for children battling cancer.

Linda has not had a haircut since her father died and when her locks are lopped off on the anniversary of her father's death - December 7 - she hopes there will be enough hair to make a number of wigs.

"The length of my hair at the moment is below my waist," she said.

"To have it cut is very close to my heart as there are so many children who lose their hair when being treated for cancer.

"I wanted to ensure my hair was long enough to make several wigs to help these children."

Linda's first haircut in a decade will be followed by a celebration party for family and friends.

She said she wanted to help Cancer Research UK because the charity had been working tirelessly towards beating cancer.

"It has come a long way already - its scientists and doctors have contributed to most of the world's top cancer drugs and it has pioneered the use of radiotherapy to treat cancer."

Linda said in a recent major research breakthrough, the charity's scientists had found that a one-off five minute screening test could cut the risk of developing bowel cancer by a third, reducing the number of deaths by 43 per cent.

"Bowel cancer is currently the UK's second biggest cancer killer - this hugely important development could save thousands of lives."

The first of Linda's fundraisers will take place later this month when she embarks on a ten-mile circular walk from her father's former house in Williton.

And she will follow that with a ten-mile cycle ride from her home in Dunster to Raleighs Cross later in the year.

She is hoping that local people will support her efforts to help her raise as much money as possible.

"Any support that people can offer, no matter how small or large, will be greatly appreciated."

Linda can be contacted on 01643 821138 or 07973 869549 for details of how to make a donation.

Alternatively, Cancer Research UK area volunteer manager Dawn Harrison can be contacted on 01884 34340 or 07850 669067.

Photo: Steve Guscott