FRIENDS of sports fan Steve Young, who was cared for by Prospect Hospice during the final months of his life, had their hair dyed in rainbow colours to raise money in his memory.

Sisters Jaqui Barnes-Monaghan and Sandra Bignold spent hours at The Works hairdressers in Redhouse as colourists Natalie and Olivia got to work.

The salon held a fundraising cake sale and raffle while the complex dying process was being done.

Jaqui said: “Originally, I asked if I could have my head shaved, then Paul the owner came up with this idea instead. It takes longer than a head shave and it’s something different.

“Rainbows are one of Prospect’s symbols and it suits my personality, so I said yes.

“I have a meeting in the town centre this afternoon, I’m not sure what they’ll make of me with this hair. It will be quite a memorable first impression.”

Steve’s widow Elaine said: “Steve was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015. He’d had successful radiotherapy but then it recurred so he went Prospect’s day centre in 2013.

“Prospect helped us so much. They were amazing, they were always there for us and gave us incredible support.

“He wanted to pass away at home with his family and they made that possible, he felt normal to a degree.

“It’s something that could have been awful, but it was a special time and I’ll never be able to thank them enough.

“All the money we raised goes to my late husband’s bluebell fund, which will help support other families who are going through something similar with their loved ones.”

“His funeral was a year ago today, which is a bit of serendipity.

“Jacqui and her husband Antony helped care for Steve until he went to Prospect. We’ve been friends since we were 14 and it’s their way of paying tribute to him and all the work that Prospect do.

“Last year, we raised £1,400 and this year we want to make it to £2,000.”

The event raised £350 for Prospect Hospice.

Sandra said: “A lot of our family have been affected by cancer - our sister Sheila was also treated at Prospect before she died 10 years ago.

“Steve was phenomenal, he did everything as normal right up to the end, and he was so keen to support Prospect that he took part in some fundraising events before he died.”

“I’m excited but a little bit nervous, I’ve got to go out in public with this hair for a week before I have my usual treatment – we’ve been going to this salon since 2005.”

Prospect Hospice provides dedicated end-of-life care, palliative care, and nursing support for thousands of people in Swindon and north Wiltshire.