Losing his brother to a brain tumour is why Ramsgate hairdresser Marcello Marino is doing cut and blow drys in aid of the Pilgrims Hospice.

A deep awareness of the east Kent charity's has inspired Marcello to donate two days of his professional skills for the cause.

His commitment is galvanised after hearing his clients telling him time and again about the charity’s outstanding support for their dear ones.

Next Monday and Tuesday, September 29 and 30, dad of two Marcello is offering a cut and blow dry for a donation of £5 per session in aid of the hospice.

Larger cash donations for the hospice will also be much appreciated by the charity which has a collection box at the West Cliff Road salon.

Marcello, 45, is giving his time and skills for free, from 9am to 5pm, on what are his usual days off. A lady’s cut and blow dry normally costs from £29.50.

He had become especially conscious of how invaluable hospice services are, after the death of his brother Romano.

Marcello said: “My brother had a brain tumour from the age of 14 and had so many operations where they cut open his head throughout his life. My mum looked after him throughout and he died when he was 40.”

He said his mum had also been in hospital and become increasingly vulnerable with age, a situation that had heightened his appreciation for care, compassion and services like those provided by the hospice.

“Many of my customers have had families cared for by the hospice and this is very much a local charity, which is why I decided to give two days of my own time to help,” said Marcello. He has tried to support causes in the area as much as possible during his 25 years in Thanet.

Marcello is advising people to call in advance to book a time for their hospice cut and blow dry.

His salon is at 15a West Cliff Road, Ramsgate CT11 9JP, on 01843 592027.