A DUNFERMLINE teenager has shown support to her cousin by shaving her long locks for charity.

Abbie MacFarlane, 15, raised more than £700 for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA UK), an illness which her cousin Juliann Bower suffers from.

The head shave took place on December 12, marking four years since Juliann, 11, was diagnosed with the illness. Abbie’s hair has now been donated to the Little Princess Trust.

The illness is a serious medical condition which affects breathing and can damage the right side of the heart. Abbie’s mum Michelle was very proud of her daughter and of Juliann, who also had her hair partially cut.

She said: “They have a very close bond and the two are very happy with their new looks. Not many 15-year-olds would think about shaving their long hair off without there being something in it for them.

"I’m one proud mother. I thought about doing it years ago but that was before I had kids. But you never know – you may have to watch this space in a couple of years.” 

Michelle added: “I’m also just so proud of Juliann for coping with her illness in the way she has. She’s been brilliant.”

Abbie was pleased with her new style provided by salon manager Kelly Watson at Exclusive Hair & Beauty in Dunfermline. She said: “I really like it.”