A DENTAL nurse has marked the anniversary of her father’s death by having her hair shaved off for Macmillan.

Kirsty Long, 30, of Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, has already doubled her fundraising target having had her blonde bob cut off.

She has raised £445 and the donations are still coming in.

Her father, Colin Hopkinson, died of cancer in 2009 and Mrs Long said: “I know I had to show the true reflection of what people go through, so I was prepared for how short it was going to be.”

She let her son Jacey, 3, chop a chunk off before she took him to nursery, so she knew there was no going back.

She said: “I was nervous and there were times where I wanted to cry, but I pulled myself together.

“My dad didn’t get as far as chemo so I wanted to do this to mark what other people have been through.

“It’s only hair at the end of the day and at least I know mine will grow back. I’m sure my dad is smiling down at me, feeling proud.”

She faced the razor on Monday, October 5, the anniversary of her father’s death.

Alter Ego hairdressers on North Hill, Colchester, shaved her hair for free.

Mrs Long has adapted to her new hairstyle well. She said: “It’s pretty chilly now, especially as winter is coming up. Although my shower routine is now very quick.”