A CHARITY fundraiser has sacrificed her luxuriant locks to raise hundreds of pounds in memory of a close friend.

Bev Cox agreed to have her head shaved for friend Gill Harden, a teacher at Catterick's Risedale Sports and Community College, who lost her fight against cancer earlier this year.

The long-hair lover from Liverpool invited friends and family to Richmond Rugby Club to witness local barber Dan Kilvington-Mason completely shave her head.

As well as raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, plaits of hair were donated to the Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair through illness.

Mrs Cox, of Richmond, raised more than £2,200 in memory of Gill, who died shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Gill would have laughed her head off because she was always envious of the thickness of my hair and the speed it grew,” said Mrs Cox, an orthodontic practice manager at Alpha Dental in Bedale.

“We have had some great support from the teachers at Risedale and Richmond schools, the rugby club, friends and family, because Gill was so popular.

“I didn’t think twice about doing it and I have bought some bandanas and hats to wear while it grows back, so it will be fine.”