MORE THAN 20 people raised thousands of pounds for charity last week as they Braved the Shave at Alva Academy.

The group of 23, which included pupils, teachers, parents and learning assistants, sat on stage in front of the whole school as two hairdressers sheared their hair for Macmillan.

The total from the event has already reached and breached £2,500, as the brave group come to terms with their new appearance.

David Clifford, a teacher at the school who organised the event and who also underwent the transformation, said it is always a worthwhile event.

He told the Advertiser: “Every year, for around 10 years off and on, we have done this. It was one or two pupils to begin with then a couple of girls came and bravely said they would like to do it.

“It has grown and this year there was 23 of us on stage including four females. One of our learning assistants raised £1,000 alone from her effort.

“All of that hair will go to the Little Princess Trust – a charity which provides wigs for sick kids – and we have well over £2,500 so far.

“The three of us who organise these events always say that the money is a by-product, albeit an amazing one, because the main aim is to raise awareness and educate.”

The Clacks school has a long-standing affinity with Macmillan, having raised in excess of £250,000 for the cancer charity.

It has also urged pupils to not worry about money when there is a much more valuable asset to give up.

David continued: “What we tell pupils is that the most important thing they can give up is their time. So it doesn’t matter if they raise £1 or £1000, as long as they are doing something worthwhile.”

The teacher wished to extend a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Brave the Shave event, as well as the two hairdressers who give up their time every year for it, Hazel Waine and her colleague from Blues Hair Salon in Dollar.

Alva Academy, meanwhile, is also preparing for its annual Macmillan coffee morning which has turned into a huge community event led by the sixth year pupils of the academy.

The coffee morning takes place on Friday, September 28 and everyone is welcome to go along to see the hard work put in by pupils and staff.