WITH temperatures once again dropping below zero it is possibly not the best time to start thinking about having a closely cropped haircut.

But kindhearted Linzie Barton, from Hollesley, near Woodbridge, has taken the bold step all in the name of charity.

The 23-year-old recently had her hair shaved off in aid of Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

She decided to raise money following the deaths of her 72-year-old uncle, Malcolm Caley, from Aldeburgh, and 87-year-old grandmother, Barbara Morden, from Rendlesham, who both passed away in December last year.

Linzie, who works at Highlands residential home in Woodbridge, said: “Quite a lot of my family have had cancer and survived but what pushed me was when my uncle passed away. I just wanted to raise money for people trying to fight it. It is such an awful disease.

“When my nana was ill we had one of the Macmillan nurses come out and they were absolutely fantastic. So I decided to raise money for both.”

Linzie’s friend Claire Fitzpatrick was in charge of the clippers for the event, which was held at Woodbridge’s Bull Hotel and raised £930.

Commenting on her new look Linzie said: “It has been very cold but I’ve got lots of hats to cover things up. It’s absolutely fine. It’s all about raising money for my family and I’m pretty happy with it. Everyone thinks it’s awesome and says it suits me. I will definitely keep it a bit shorter from now on.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Linzie can visit www.justgiving.com/linziebarton2408.