A PRIEST and an 11-year-old parishoner in Drumchapel shed their locks to raise money in memory of a teacher who lost their life to cancer.

Father Gerry Barnes and altar server Matthew Munro, didn’t have a great deal of hair to start with, but, with the support of St Benedict’s Parish in Drumchapel, they went completely bald and raised an impressive £1,400.

Proud mum Maggi said Matthew did it for a favourite teacher who passed away last November after battling the deadly disease, with both also showing support for a friend in the parish going through chemotherapy.

She said: “Matthew says his new cut is cold, but he has a lot of support. One of his friends wanted to sponsor him because he lost a parent to cancer and he has text messages from friends saying they are proud of him.”

The cash raised has been shared between Macmillan Cancer Support, St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in Whitecrook and the Beatson Institute.

Meanwhile, Zoe Johnstone, from Hardgate, set a £200 target in aid of the Little Princess Trust but smashed that with £450 in donations – as well as her locks.

The charity provides wigs to children going through cancer treatment.

The 11-year-old P7 pupil at Goldenhill Primary told the Post the 30cm cut was about seven or eight months worth of growth and this was her first time doing something for charity.

She said: “I heard of the charity online and saw other children had done it. I liked the idea of it and thought it was a good charity to help children get their confidence back. I like the new cut – it looks pretty cool.”

Zoe’s hair was cut by Amy Fowles at Trimms Hardgate. Her mum Carrie-Anne added: “Myself, her dad Kenny and older brother Sean are extremely proud of Zoe.”

To support Zoe, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Zoe-Johnstone1

It might be a case of hair today, gone tomorrow, but the charity spirit is here to stay.