A WOMAN who has challenged herself to do a big fundraiser each year is preparing to shave her head for charity.

Sarah Huitson, who works on reception at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital, Darlington, is raising money for two causes.

On May 18, she will be cutting off her hair to donate to Little Princess Trust before shaving the rest to raise money for Macmillan.

The 37-year-old has set up an online fundraising page and has already beat her target of £200.

She said: “At first it was set at £100 because I wasn’t expecting it to get as much interest as it has.

“I’m amazed by what people have wanted to donate. People have donated a bigger amounts than what I was expecting.

“I have been growing my hair for quite a few years so that I can donate my hair to the Little Princess Trust, and then I will be shaving the rest off for Macmillan so it’s a mix of two causes.”

Mrs Huitson’s fundraiser is the start of a personal goal to complete one big fundraising challenge each year.

Last year, she took part in the Great North Run and for the next she is considering tackling the Three Peaks Challenge.

For this year's challenge, Mrs Huitson said the charities she is raising money for have special meaning for her.

On her fundraising page, she said: "I have known many people in my life including family, friends, colleagues and teammates who have been affected by cancer.

"This is me doing something to raise money to help those affected by cancer."

Brave the Shave is a challenge set up by Macmillan where people can raise money by getting sponsors.

The money raised from the challenge is used to fund nurses who care for patients.

So far this year, £4,113,498 has been raised through Brave the Shave and 913 challenges have taken place.

Mrs Huitson will be completing the challenge at Stanhope Park's main practice on Stanhope Road, Darlington.

She added: “I’m a bit nervous and scared but also a little bit excited.

“I’m doing it at work so if people want to come in and see it they can.”

People who wish to donate can do so by visiting bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/sarah-huitson