Coronation Street icon Tracy Shaw has chosen to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust amid her cancer battle and has been inundated with support as she makes the "next step" in her journey17:31, 20 May 2026Updated 17:32, 20 May 2026Coronation Street icon Tracy Shaw has cut her long blonde hair. The actress decided to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust amid her cancer battle.‌Actress Tracy, 52, who is best known for having starred as Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap from 1995 until 2003, revealed last month that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and has been keeping fans updated ever since.‌On Wednesday afternoon, Tracy shared a post on Instagram where she revealed, in preparation for chemotherapy, she had cut her long blonde locks short and has decided to give it to the charity that provides free wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair through illness.‌READ MORE: Corrie's Tracy Shaw fights tears amid cancer battle saying 'I can't go through with this'READ MORE: Beverley Callard suffers 'confidence crisis' over breast cancer battle: 'I'm half a woman'Tracy wrote on Instagram: "Hair will donated to little princess trust. Another step on this breast cancer journey. Goodbye for now crazy hair. Before chemo takes you away completely, I will enjoy what’s left for now." In a Reel, the actress was seen having her curly hair plaited ready to be cut, and wiped away tears as she held the plaits in her hands.Alongside another post, Tracy wrote: "To all you cancer survivors, I’m coming," and was instantly inundated with support from her fans. One wrote: "Suits you, madame. Wishing you every strength in the time ahead!"‌Another said: "I love it and love you for being so brave xx," and a third wrote: "You look amazing... it really suits you... good luck with yr treatment... ive been through this twice in 5 years... I know how hard it it to take the decision to cut yr hair.. I did the same you are in control.."Tracy, who also enjoyed a brief pop career with a cover of the Lonnie Gordon track Happenin' All Over Again before going on to appear in Casualty, Doctors and Mile High, explained just before beginning her treatment that she is onlyable navigate things by taking her illness one step at a time.She said: ""I had some great guidance which is 'Don't look up, just keep going to the next base camp, don't climb Mt Everest, just keep taking one base camp at a time.'‌"So today, I'll be going into the hospital and I'll be seeing my wonderful oncologist, and some other wonderful women on this journey with me, and I will face the next base camp."‌When Tracy broke the sad news almost a month ago, several of her co-stars offered the mum of two their support and left kind messages on social media.Samia Longchambon, who has played Maria Connor in the soap since 2000, said: “Sending love to you Tracy.” Another former Corrie star Sally Ann Matthews, who portrayed Jenny Bradley, wrote: “Love you baby girl x.”According to the NHS breast cancer is most common type of cancer in women in the UK. The main treatment for breast cancer in women and people with breasts is usually surgery. Other common treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, treatment with hormones (hormone therapy), and targeted medicines and immunotherapy.Article continues belowIf you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.