THE gruelling chemotherapy that attacked her body is not the only cause of Julie Arnold's new crew-cut look.

The 41-year-old mother-of-two's shaven head is also a symbol of her gratitude to the caring nurses who guided her through her five-month battle with cancer.

Julie, of Beverley Crescent, Grimsby, was diagnosed with lymphoma in November.

After six rounds of chemotherapy she was given the all-clear in April – but not before the treatment had taken its toll on her body – and her hairline.

At first Julie wanted a head shave for purely cosmetic reasons, but then she decided it would be the perfect opportunity to raise money for a cause close to her heart – Macmillan Cancer Support.

Throughout her treatment, Julie was supported by cancer nurse Diane Savage.

Julie said: "They were absolutely unbelievable. When I was going for my chemotherapy they would put me in a happy mood by laughing and joking. It made it much easier for me to cope with everything."

Julie went under the clippers at her friend and next door neighbour Diane Bore's house.

The shave was carried out by another friend, Lesley Smith, and raised £400 for the Macmillan Suite at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

"When I looked in the mirror I thought: Oh my God! But once I got used to it I felt better for doing it," said Julie.

"It made me feel better that it was going to help someone rather than doing it just because I had to."

Now Julie, her partner Sean, and her children Ashley, 21, and Bethany, 17, are looking ahead to the future.

Julie had to give up her cleaning job because of the effects of the chemotherapy, but is hoping to get back into work soon.

She said: "It has given me a different attitude to life. I think I will do more with my life because I've had that fright."