A Suffolk learning support worker has shorn his locks and raised £800 for charity.

%image(15336886, type="article-full", alt="Mark Trewartha, learning support worker at Easton and Otley College, before he "Braved the Shave" for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: MARK TREWARTHA")

Mark Trewartha works at Easton and Otley College and hadn’t had a hair cut in over five years. He was inspired to ‘Brave the Shave’ for Macmillan Cancer Support when one of his friends started losing her hair while going through chemotherapy.

Mark said, “My friend’s blonde hair has always been part of who she was - I just thought it was so brave. I felt inspired.

%image(15336888, type="article-full", alt="Mark Trewartha after having his head shaved. Picture: MEGAN GRAHAM")

“Also, three years ago I lost my Mum to cancer, so cancer support is quite a personal issue to me. My mum hadn’t been well for some years, so when the cancer came, it took her quickly. It was quite a shock to see how aggressive this disease can be.

“By doing this it’s partly my way of transforming the sadness of losing my mum into something more positive, and showing support to my friend at the same time.”

Mark added: “People have really engaged with this campaign and have given so generously. Colleagues at work have been really kind and have shown their support for this great cause.”

He involved his students, who are all studying on foundation learning programmes, to make them aware of the good that you can do for others.

Mark plans to grow his dreadlocks back in future. He said: “I have never had my head shaved before and will almost certainly be growing my hair back again.”

College spokesperson John Nice, said: “This was clearly a very personal challenge for Mark. He is an inspiration and we would like to congratulate him on raising an amazing amount of money for such a wonderful cause.”

To donate, visit Mark’s Brave the Shave page