A MOTHER'S unconditional love and support is there even after children have grown up.

When Helen Jones was going to lose her hair due to chemotherapy her mum, Lynn Doyle was right beside her and decided she would shave her head in solidarity.

Mrs Jones is undergoing chemotherapy for a breast cancer diagnosis she received earlier this year and her family, and even some strangers, have rallied round her in support.

Mrs Doyle decided her head shave would be doubly meaningful and would also raise money for Bolton Hospice and The Fire Fighters Charity, two causes which have helped their family in the past.

Mrs Jones brother Oliver, a firefighter with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Bolton Hospice looked after my dad Frank in the final few weeks of his life and they did an incredible job of keeping him as comfortable and as happy as possible.

"They do an incredible job every day and I can never thank them enough for what they did for us.”

The mother and daughter team had their heads shaved at DW Sports Fitness Gym, Burnden Park, Manchester Road while Mr Doyle and Mrs Jones' husband Steve, also a firefighter, completed an arduous 999 Challenge.

They completed a gym-based triathlon on the day, rowing nine miles, cycling nine miles and then running nine miles.

They finished their challenge in three hours and thirty minutes.

The group's hair-shaving and fitness efforts at the gym attracted the attention of some of the members while they were there.

Robert Leigh was so inspired by the team he decided to shave his head too and Billa Ahmed donated £100 to the cause.

The family were thrilled to raise £1,682.05 for their chosen charities through online donations and gifts on the day.

n To donate to support Bolton Hospice and The Fire Fighters Charity visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/999challenge online.