WHEN student Emily Pilling returns to school on Monday her friends will be in for a shock.
The 14-year-old has decided to have her shoulder-length brunette hair closely cropped to raise money for Cancer Research UK as part of the Relay for Life this weekend at Marl Pits.
Emily said: “I wanted to raise money for Cancer Research UK and I have been doing the Relay for Life for the last three years and there is always someone having their hair shaved on the stage.
“My mum Lynn suggested that I could do it as a way to raise money and I have already raised £250 through a sponsor sheet and through a JustGiving page.”
Emily said one of her mother’s friends sadly lost her life to cancer and her mum organises a team of family and friends, including Emily, to complete the Relay for Life.
Throughout the 24 hours at least one member of each team must be walking or running around the track.
“It is a good way to raise money and I think it is a caring thing to do,” said Emily.
“I am going to be a bit nervous when I get up on the stage in front of everyone. I have never had my hair short before so, for me, it is a big thing to do.”