DUNFERMLINE barber Mark Dowie is used to close shaves but he’s ready to swap roles and face the razor himself.

But letting others loose on his hair is a sacrifice worth making as it's in support of younger brother Lee, 23, who was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Mark, 29, who works with Hope Hairdressing and Old Town Barber Club in Maygate, will ‘brave the shave’ during a charity evening to support Macmillan Cancer Support and raise awareness of the disease being fought by his sibling.

“I wanted to do something to support my brother and to raise awareness of the importance to regularly check yourself,” he said.

“The trauma from the initial diagnosis, losing a testicle, the treatment and then losing your hair is mind blowing. Cutting people’s hair every day I know how hair can create confidence so losing it can understandably leave a person feeling exposed and insecure, at a time when they are already vulnerable.

"I’d like to make this small sacrifice to stand with my brother through this tough time. When I told my bosses Brian and Debbie Jobson about Lee, we started chatting and it become clear that everyone else at OTBC and Hope wanted to help too.”

The evening on Saturday August 26 will feature live music from Lucy & the Lyrics, drinks, food, a talk by Dr Paul Grealis and some spectacular prizes to be won in a raffle.

They’ve even got the Pars – of whom Lee and Mark are lifelong supporters – involved, with the club donating a signed strip and match day hospitality as prizes, while stylists with both Old Town Barber Club and Hope Hairdressing will donate client fees to the cause.

Lee said: “When I was diagnosed with stage two testicular cancer, although I was scared and shocked, I was also so glad that I had gone to the doctors when I first thought something wasn’t right.

"Like most men it’s something I kept delaying due to pride, dignity and fear, but going and getting checked has saved my life.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to regularly check yourself and if there is something that doesn’t seem right, get it checked. Luckily testicular cancer is very treatable and most men are expected to make a full recovery but the sooner it is found the better.

“The brave the shave charity event my brother is doing has been great for getting the word out there about testicular cancer, the more we raise the more hair he intends to take off – and he has got a mighty beard so maybe the clippers will reach that too!

“The support from him, my family, DAFC and all the prizes that have been donated has been overwhelming and has definitely helped take my mind off the treatment I’m undergoing.”

Debbie added: “When Mark told us about Lee, everyone in the OTBC and Hope wanted to help. We are really proud of Mark; his ginger mane is his defining feature, many people ask for an appointment with the ‘boy with the long ginger hair!’, so to take it all off is an admirable thing to do and shows what support he has for his brother.”

The charity night takes place from 6-9pm. For raffle tickets or to book an appointment, contact Hope Hairdressing or Old Town Barber Club.