WHEN Stephen Knight's wife lost her hair after chemotherapy, the primary school headteacher promised her he would one day shave his hair off to raise money for cancer relief.

Now, three years after his wife, Claire, 34, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Stephen kept that promise when his locks were shaved off at Abbey Village Primary School, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Stephen, also 34, said: "Claire went in to have a cyst removed from her ovary. When they removed it they sent it to specialists for a biopsy to test for positive cancer cells. She was called back in and it was devastating to hear the word cancer.

"Claire decided that she would have an hysterectomy and chemotherapy to stop the cancer from spreading. She remained really positive and up-beat about it all. She is clear of the cancer now but still goes back for regular check-ups."

Stephen, who has raised £400 so far and hopes the final total will be about £800, has also been raising awareness of cancer in assemblies: "We discussed with the children what cancer was, what kind of cancer you may get and what doctors can do for you if you get cancer.

"Cancer has been seen as a taboo subject and this will make them aware that people can be helped to get through it.

"It is something that may not be discussed at home but, hopefully, this will give them more facts to go home and ask questions about it."

Stephen, who lives in Guide, added: "I asked the governors if they wouldn't mind me looking bald for a few weeks and they were fine with it, so I have bought a woolly hat for the cold weather.

"It was a special moment, nearly three years since she was diagnosed and, hopefully, it will help make a lot more people aware that cancer is something you can beat."

Youngsters at the school will help to raise money by taking part in Macmillan Cancer Relief's Big Hush. The pupils have been challenged to stay silent for sixty minutes during the morning.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Stephen can call him on 01254 830489.