A SILCHESTER schoolgirl admits to feeling a bit weird after raising money by having her head shaved.

Ellie Warburton, 15, was inspired to raise money for Cancer Research UK by family friend Bev Derham, who has been battling cancer for more than 20 years.

Ellie said: “She has had cancer for a long time, and I know I am raising money for a really good cause.

“I have had some people telling me I’m mad and some people telling me they would pay me not to get it cut, but I made the decision about two months ago and stuck with it.”

As previously reported in The Gazette, Bev, 57, from North Warnborough, has been fighting the disease since 1990, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which has since spread.

Ellie, a pupil at St Gabriel’s school, in Newbury, had her hair first cut and then shaved by her mum Vicky, who works at Basingstoke hospital.

Vicky, 56, cut her daughter’s hair at the family home, in Soke Road, watched by family and friends.

She said: “I’m so proud of her. How many other teenagers would do something like this? I actually think it quite suits her.”

Ellie has beaten her target of £1,000 and has so far collected around £1,300 in donations from family and friends, who also made a ‘bald cake’, which they ate after the head shave.

Her hair will be sent to charity Little Princess Trust, which uses hair to create wigs for boys and girls suffering from cancer.

Ellie said: “I don’t know what people’s reaction will be when they see me, but I don’t mind – people will always make judgements.

“I am glad I did it, but it does feel weird.”

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/elliewarburton2309.