An island woman is undergoing a ‘brave the shave’ fundraiser in memory of her sister who lost her life to lung cancer last year.

Stephanie Cracknell moved to the Isle of Man from Scotland in 2018 and settled in Laxey with her husband Ross and young daughter Ada. While over here, the couple hand another child, Otis.

Trained as a beauty therapist, Stephanie set up her own business Birch Tree Beauty in Douglas.

Sadly, Stephanie was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024 and died a year later in September 2025.

Her sister Christina Brown is now carrying out a fundraiser back in her home town of Dunfermline where she will have her hair cut off to raise money for Hospice Isle of Man.

Christina said: ‘I want to raise as much money as I can for Hospice IOM, in memory of my sister Stephanie. I want to recognise and show support to the amazing team at Hospice IOM, who provided and continue to provide care to patients and their families during the hardest times of their lives.

Laxey mum Stephanie Cracknell lost her battle with lung cancer in September 2025
Laxey mum Stephanie Cracknell lost her battle with lung cancer in September 2025 (Christina Brown )

‘Stephanie and her family moved their lives to the Isle of Man in 2018 and settled in Laxey , where they welcomed their second child Otis. Steph loved being a mum, and had all she ever wanted being married to Ross with her own little family.

‘Stephanie was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung in September 2024 after struggling with back pain and sight loss in one of her eyes.

‘She fought bravely, with numerous rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and helicopter flights back and forth to hospital in Liverpool until, only a year later she lost her battle with cancer in September 2025.’

What struck Stephanie’s friends and family was the support she got from Hospice IOM.

‘Stephanie was cared for by Hospice IOM during her final days, and we cannot thank them enough for the care and support they provided to Steph and all of her family,’ Christina said.

‘I want to recognise and show support to the amazing team of staff who provided and continue to provide care to patients and their families during one of the hardest times of their lives.

‘We miss Stephanie every single day, but we made some incredible memories and continue to do so in her memory.

‘Every donation, no matter how small, makes a big different. Please support me if you can. Together we can make a difference.

The shave will take place at Samurai's Barber in Dunfermline on October 24 at 11am. Those in the Isle of Man who want to show support can livestream the event.

Christina has already raised more than £1,000 and anyone wishing to add their support can donate by going to her JustGiving fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/christina-jack-brown-bravingtheshave