Catherine Storey's family has been ripped apart by cancer.
Last year, she lost her 56-year-old brother Jeffrey Finley to the deadly disease.
And over the past five years has watched her younger sister Julia, 46, battle skin cancer.
Catherine, from Hebburn, faced further agony when her close friend, Brian Hepple, 42, also died from the disease.
The 53-year-old said: "There are no words to describe the feeling of watching anyone battle against cancer, it's just devastating.
“It is the most devastating thing that I have witnessed.”
Jeffrey and Brian died from cancer within a few weeks of each other.
After finding a mole on his back, Jeffrey went to the doctors who referred him for a biopsy but was given the all clear.
Seven months later, Jeffrey found a lump under his arm so went to Cramlington Hospital where he was diagnosed with skin cancer.
Following his diagnosis, Catherine's brother was sent to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for a full body scan.
His family was left devastated when the scan revealed that Jeffrey had three tumours on his brain.
He continued his fight for six months but tragically lost his battle in May 2018.
Care worker Catherine said: “Macmillan were fantastic. They had two carers with him everyday over the last two weeks of his life.
“His family and friends were also by his side during his final moments of his life.
“This is why I decided to give something back to them as they were so amazing.”
A couple of weeks later, Catherine's close friend, Brian, lost his battle with the disease.
He showed no symptoms until he started to become really tired all of the time.
After going to the doctors his scan showed that he had several cancerous tumours in his body.
Catherine added: “It all happened so fast.
"Brian was a very proud man and did not want anyone knowing that he had cancer.”
After experiencing the heartache of cancer, Catherine now supports her younger sister, who fears that her skin cancer will return.
Julia, 48, was diagnosed with skin cancer five years ago.
After undergoing an operation to remove the cancerous cells on her skin, she continues to have regular tests and check ups.
In memory of her brother and close friend and to support her sister, Catherine decided to set up a sponsored head shave.
Catherine said: “It feels a bit weird to shave my head but I didn't want to do a run.
"It’s took me 10 years to grow my hair long, but it’s only hair and it’ll grow back.
“I’ve ordered some hair bands with flowers on to match my uniform, so that our residents who have dementia will still recognise me.
“Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me. Every penny is gratefully received and will all go towards supporting those with cancer.”
Catherine has raised more than £435 through her sponsored head shave.
She has also donated her locks to the Little Princess Trust, which provides free real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.
Catherine was supported on the day of the shave, which took place at Willowdene Care Home, by her husband Mark, father-in-law Jeff and sons Paul and Robert.
Willowdene’s activities coordinator, Christine Chandler, a colleague and friend of Catherine’s, said: “I’m so proud of Catherine for doing this. What an incredible person she is.”
Professional hairdresser, Chloe Kirkham, Halo Hairdressers, Hebburn, volunteered to shave Catherine’s head.
She said: “A truly brave and amazing thing to do for people battling such an awful disease. Well done Catherine.”
