There’s not many women who would have all their hair shaved off, but a hospice nurse has done just that to raise money for charity.

Lesley Dawson’s curly locks were lopped off in front of patients, staff and volunteers at the EllenorLions Hospice in Northfleet.

The 49-year-old palliative care nurse specialist, who now has a number three clipper cut, was roped into the sponsored challenge after some office banter with her colleagues.

Mrs Dawson, who has worked for the charity for 18 months, said: “The idea for this sponsored head shave started as a bit of a joke in the office. Since the sudden increase in temperatures, we have all been suffering a bit and I happened to ask if anyone had a pair of clippers as my hair has been driving me nuts.

“One of the girls said they would pay to see me have it all cut off, and the rest is history as they say.”

Mrs Dawson planned for a number four clipper cut, but went one braver on the day by going down to three, courtesy of a colleague’s clippering credentials.

Mrs Dawson continued: “It was lovely that so many people turned out to support me. My two-year-old granddaughter was also there as I didn’t want her to be shocked when she next saw me, without my hair.”

The hospice nurse provides palliative care and emotional support to people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

She added: “As a charity we must raise over £6 million a year to be able to care for very ill adults and children locally. If I can raise around £200 I will be thrilled. If everyone does their bit to raise funds then it all helps.”

Mrs Dawson managed to smash her target by raising £500 in sponsorship and is still collecting.

If you would like to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Lesley-Dawson6

To hold your own fundraising challenge in aid of EllenorLions Hospices, contact Marion Smith on 01322 221315 or email marion.smith@ellenorlions.org