To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Guardian teamed up with Northwich hair salon HCUK to offer three brave women who have battled the disease a bit of ‘me time’.

Readers were invited to nominate friends and family who have had to face the heart-breaking illness and who they felt deserved a treat.

HCUK offered three free cut and colours to the value of £70, and two winners have been chosen.

Here are their stories: Barbara Lunt, 62, Wheelock Drive, was nominated by daughter Angela Richardson, of Walnut Drive.

Angela said: “My mum’s breast cancer affected her and the family terribly.

“She had to have four operations and also radiotherapy.

“While she was going through this terrible ordeal her dad died suddenly.

“In the middle of her regular visits to the Christie Hospital she battled on to organise a funeral and grieve for her dad.

“It would be lovely for her to be spoilt and I think she deserves it.

“Even though it was her that was going through the treatment, her thoughts were always for her family and their feelings.

“My daughter, her granddaughter, also had major surgery and she continued to give her support and visit her in hospital.

“Please consider my mum as I know she would love the chance to have her hair done.”

Claire Scally, 28, of London Road, Leftwich, was nominated by her cousin Sarah Fish, also of Leftwich.

Sarah said: “Claire lost her mum in 2002 and her dad three years later to cancer.

“In 2007 she was diagnosed with BRCA1 type cancer.

“She had a mastectomy and began chemotherapy two months later.

“Despite these dark times, Claire always found something to laugh about and her courage is inspiring.

“Her cancer is hereditary and her siblings have been tested.

“Her older sister has had a mastectomy and both Claire and Jayne have to decide whether to have their ovaries removed to reduce the 60 per cent chance of ovarian cancer.

“In September 2009, Claire began the first of a series of operations of breast reconstruction on both breasts.

“Throughout all the trauma, pain and anxiety I have yet to see Claire give in.

“She’s actually looking forward to her ‘new boobs’.

“Her fantastic sense of humour is admirable and she is a beautiful person and truly deserves a treat.

There is still one prize left to give.

To nominate someone, email frances.kindon@guardiangrp.co.uk or write to Frances Kindon, Northwich Guardian, 3 Theatre Court, London Road, Northwich. CW9 5HB.

Usual Guardian competition rules apply.