A NEWCASTLE Emlyn waitress will mark her 50th birthday by losing her lovely locks and raising funds for Diabetes UK Cymru.

At the Brave the Shave evening on 26th January at Newcastle Emlyn's Coopers Arms, Yvonne Lloyd's shoulder length blond hair will hit the deck as it is shaved off by hairdresser Pamela Atterbury.

Newcastle Emlyn Mayor, Cefin Evans, will make the first cut. The Brave the Shave evening will also include music by local band Back Tracks, a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and a buffet.

Yvonne's son, Tristan, now 25, developed type 1 diabetes when he was at university.

He was diagnosed after an emergency admission to hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis; a potentially life-threatening condition caused by extremely high blood sugar. It can be fatal if not treated immediately. Tristan remained in hospital for four days and now relies on four insulin injections a day.

"This life-long condition means he will need to keep a close eye on his blood-sugar levels by monitoring himself numerous times a day, injecting insulin after each meal and before bedtime, and attending a long list of appointments to ensure he lives a healthy life," said Yvonne, a waitress at Ty Croeso Delicatessen.

"Not doing so could lead to life-threatening complications including heart disease, stroke, neuropathy or blindness.

"However well-managed, this is a life-changing condition which you can never forget.

"I'm having my head shaved, not just to raise money, but also to educate people. There are a lot of myths about diabetes and how it can affect your life."

You can support Yvonne by signing one of the sponsor forms at the Coopers Arms or Ty Croeso or on line at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/yvonne-lloyd2.

Diabetes UK Cymru funds research for better technology to help diabetics live an easier life, create new and innovative ways to keep control of their condition, and ultimately to help find a cure.

The hair cut will start at 8.30 pm on Saturday 26th January at the Coopers Arms, Station Road in Newcastle Emlyn.

Entry costs £5 and doors open at 7.00 pm. All are welcome.