A VILLAGE near Devizes is pledging its support for mum Abi Jefferies after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Her sister Becky Edwards is trying to raise as much money as possible to send Ms Jefferies, 39, and her teenage daughter Rae on special treats and create memorable moments for Rae to treasure.

Ms Edwards, who lives and works in Market Lavington, has organised an event at The Green Dragon on June 26 to get people to shave their heads, wax their bodies or lose their moustaches to raise cash.

She said: "The Green Dragon has agreed to host our Hair Raising event and a number of people have already volunteered to take part. We just want to raise as much as we can to create memories for Abi and Rae.

"Rae is 14 and is being very supportive to her mum but she is devastated by what has happened. It would be lovely to be able to send them off to pampering sessions, getaways or special experiences that they can do together."

Ms Jefferies, who lives in the Hillworth Road area of Devizes with her daughter, who is a pupil at Devizes School, is undergoing chemotherapy at the Royal United Hospital, Bath but has been told there is no cure.

The former Pewsey Vale pupil who grew up in Upavon was first diagnosed with cervical cancer last year and underwent laser surgery and radiotherapy. But earlier this year she felt unwell again and underwent an MRI scan which showed the cancer had returned in her abdomen.

Ms Edwards said: "She has been told that the cancer can be slowed but can't be cured. But she is so pleased that people are doing this to help her. She told me she was over the moon but felt very humbled by it.

"She has been through so much since being treated for cervical cancer last year. It has now been found in the lymph nodes in her abdomen. She has gone through a forced menopause and now suffers from lymphodema in her legs, due to the radiotherapy last year. She now has a scooter to get about on.

"She is a brave, courageous and thoroughly decent person who is being strong for her daughter."

A fundraising Facebook site has been set up under the name hairrasing4abi and more and more people are pledging sponsorship and other help. This week £500 for the appeal had already been pledged.

But Ms Edwards hopes even more people will join in. A poster she has created says: "Abi is bravely fighting cancer, Rae is bravely supporting her mum. Do one thing on one day to help make everyday they have special. Your village needs you. Sign up to lose some hair - head shaving, leg waxing - anything."

The event will start at 3pm on June 26.