A SHOPPING centre security guard has waved goodbye to his ponytail to raise funds for a charity close to his heart.

Sean Eddy, who works at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre in Hartlepool, has had long hair since the age of 13 but after ten years decided he needed a change.

And rather than have one of his friends cut it, the 23-year-old wanted to use the occasion to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in tribute to his father who passed away almost three years ago.

The Hartlepool man, who had his hair cropped on Saturday (March 30), said: “Last year I started thinking it was about time I had a change as I’ve had long hair for so long. And then I thought if I’m going to have it all cut off, I should do it for a good cause.

“It’s actually a bit strange for me as my dad always wanted me to cut my hair off, but sadly he passed away before he could see it happen. So I’m using it as a way to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association in his memory.”

He has also agreed to donate his ponytail to the Little Princesses Trust, a charity which makes real hair wigs for young girls who have undergone chemotherapy.