A WOMAN who is being treated for cancer has received a tonic in her bid to battle the disease.

Hairware, the UK distributors of Revlon wigs, have given Marlyn Howard one of their wigs after being touched by her story.

As reported in the Adver last week, Barbara Parker shaved her head to support her sister.

Now, thanks to her hairdresser Caroline Collis, Marlyn is getting a free Revlon wig for when she loses her hair after treatment.

Lynda Vassie, operations manager for Hairware, based at the Europa Industrial Estate in Stratton St Margaret, said: "We are the sole distributors of Revlon wigs in the UK and supply wigs and hairpieces all over the country.

"Caroline got in touch with us and told us about the situation and asked if we could do anything to help.

"So we've offered Marlyn the chance to have any wig up to the value of £150.

"She will have over 50 colours and more than a 1000 styles to choose from."

And Marlyn was delighted with the offer.

She said: "I didn't know how it was going to feel but it's quite comfortable.

"You wouldn't know I've got it on. I hate wearing hats so this will give me more confidence to go out.

"I wasn't worried about the rest of the treatment but when you lose your hair everybody knows what you're having and that was what bothered me."

Barbara said: "I think it's great that she's got this.

"I'd also like to thank Caroline for getting in touch with the company and getting this done for us.

"It's just something to make her feel better about losing her hair.

"I'm still getting to grips with having no hair. Sometimes I forget. It always seems like I have my hair up and then I remember that it's not there. I feel much colder now.

"I even walk about the house with hats on when it's cold.

"It's a really strange feeling to not have something you've always had, so hopefully the wig will help make the transition easier for Marlyn."