A TEACHER at a Basingstoke school has lost her locks and raised more than £1,000, all in aid of charity.

Charlie Ferris, head of Year 10 and art and textiles teacher at Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School, in St Michael’s Road, had the majority of her hair cut off for the Little Princess Trust in front of her students.

On Friday, 23 February, Charlie lost a total of 45cm of her hair, which was cut by Simon Shaw, the vice president of the British Hairdressing Federation, who then gave her a new style after the chop.

Charlie said: “It’s very reflective of the heart of the students of the school, being so kind and generous, and helping me to smash my target. My donations box was filled every day that I had it there on my desk. It’s amazing to be able to raise money for such a good cause, so many people are affected by cancer and to be able to help, even a small way, is great. It’s worth it to see the smile on people’s faces.”

She was supported by her ‘campaign manager’ Joshua Dempsey, who had previously done the challenge for the Little Princess Trust himself. He recently featured in The Gazette after collecting over 120 items of food for Basingstoke Foodbank at Hallowe’en last year.

On the day Charlie smashed the target she set herself initially, aiming to raise £1,000. However, given the generosity of staff and pupils, the amount is £1,280 and rising. Of the money raised £100 was donated by the Sherfield Allotment Society and the rest was donated by generous students and staff, after bake sales and other methods of fundraising.

Charlie added: “It’s overwhelming, I raised so much more than I expected to, it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Not everyone has spare cash to give, so it is even better that people could get involved.” It is beyond me just how quickly people came by to help out, it is a beautiful thing. The head teacher has been very supportive as well.”

The Little Princess Trust supplies real hair wigs to children who have been affected by cancer.

To contribute to Charlie’s campaign, go to the JustGiving page at: justgiving.com/fundraising/charlie-ferris.