Brave Demi Rhodes has made the hair-raising pledge to donate her 14 inches of hair to a charity that constructs wigs for young cancer patients.

The 23-year-old of King’s Ropewalk in Aycliffe will have her locks chopped off at the Railway Bell pub in London Road, Dover, on Saturday, February 21.

Her hair will go to the Princess Trust to be used for a wig and any money raised will be given to the Macmillan nurses who care for cancer patients in hospices and in their homes.

So far, her online fundraising page has generated £120 but she has gathered nearly £500 in collections and pledges.

With a raffle on the night she hopes to reach £700.

Speaking to the Mercury, the retail worker said: "Everyone who knows me knows how much I love my hair and doing different things with it.

'Everyone who knows me knows how much I love my hair and doing different things with it.' - Demi Rhodes

“So having it completely shaved off is a huge deal for me, but it’s worth it for a great cause.”

Miss Rhodes decided to go for it in October last year while watching Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer. But she had been pondering with the idea for years.

“This is the longest my hair has been in more than seven years because when I was 16 I had my hair cut into a bob and I only started growing it again a few years ago.”

With the head shave only six weeks away, she added: “I’m very nervous but also excited.

“I will be buying a wig as I will need one for work while its completely shaved but I am looking forward to the different hair styles I can do with short hair once it grows back.”

The retail worker has forked out £20 for a light brown shoulder length wig to wear until regrowth begins.

To donate online, visit: www.gofundme.com/gg7j1w.

People donating cash can fill out sponsor forms at The Salon in Elms Vale Road or in the Railway Bell in London Road.