A GREENOCK mum shaved off all her locks to raise cash to help children whose parents have been killed or injured serving with the armed forces.

Navy Club volunteer Carol Douglas has raised thousands of pounds over the years to help the Forces Children's Trust.

It is a cause close to the heart of the former Army wife, who spent over 20 years travelling the world with her husband Ian Stuart.

The charity helps children who have lost or had family members badly injured during conflicts.

The Greenock mum was all set to take part in a tandem charity sky dive which had to be cancelled because of Covid-19.

But instead, as remembrance day approaches, she had a close cut to raise as much money as she could for the charity.

Carol, who helps at the Navy Club on Mearns Street in Greenock, said: "The charity does such amazing work and has helped families we know.

"One of our best friends died after serving in Afghanistan.

"It is very painful.

"The charity helps the children, treats them to outings and gives them something to look forward to."

Ian, originally from Greenock, served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and lived with wife Carol and their two children Cheryl, now 30, and Jamie, 26, in army bases across the globe including Germany.

Carol, 53, who settled with Ian in his home town after he left, said: "The army becomes your family.

"We all loved army life and we would all go back, including the children.

"That is why we want to help families in the forces."

For the past four years Carol has been doing sponsored walks for the charity, starting off with 10 miles before increasing it to 26.

The organisation is devoted to working together to helping children in need whose father or mother has died, or has sustained life-changing injuries whilst serving.

They also help families with loved ones who sufferer from post-traumatic stress disorder due to their service.