Norwich boxers Sam Sexton and Danny McIntosh were first with the scissors, when mum-of-four Emma Hunter had her head shaved for charity at Castle Mall on Saturday.

Norwich Evening News: Emma Hunter having her head shaved in aid of Cancer Research at Castle Mall on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Bill SmithEmma Hunter having her head shaved in aid of Cancer Research at Castle Mall on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2014)

The pair had turned out in support for Mrs Hunter, who hoped to raise £1,000 from the event for Cancer Research UK.

A large crowd gathered to see the Tesco employee from Sprowston have her hair tied up in bands, then snipped at the roots by volunteers in return for a donation, and finally shaved off.

'A lot of people I know, both friends and family, have died of cancer,' she said.

'Cancer has just taken control of everything, I think it's time we took control of cancer itself.'

Mrs Hunter had 15.5 inches taken off her hair last year for Cancer Research UK and the Little Princess Trust - a charity that provides real hair wigs to children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

And sections of her hair that were tied up and cut off on Saturday will also be sent to the charity.

'My friend's mum has just died of cancer and she said one of the difficult things was having her head shaved,' said Mrs Hunter.

'People with cancer don't get the choice, but I do.'

In the crowd watching as she smiled through the whole experience was Mrs Hunter's husband Shane.

And as the last of her hair hit the floor, he came out of the crowd to give her a kiss.

'I think what she has done is great,' he said.

'When she told me about it, I said go for it. I love her anyway, hair or no hair. She is going to be brave and hasn't got a wig or any scarves, but I think she looks great.'

Mr Sexton, who lost both of his grandfathers to cancer, praised Mrs Hunter's efforts.

'It's not that big a deal for a man to have his head shaved,' he said.

'But for a woman, it's a really big deal. She is brave to do it.'

Speaking after the head shave, carried out by Zoe Lovett of Salon Sixty Six in Norwich, Mrs Hunter said she felt 'liberated'.

'It's a good feeling,' she said. 'I was so eager to get it done.'

To sponsor her, visit www.justgiving.com/emma-hunter10

Are you doing something special for charity? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk