A TEENAGER lost her long locks to raise more than £1,000 for good causes.

Plucky Jessica Nunn, from Braintree, braved the shave to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 14-year-old said goodbye to her shoulder-length hair and videoed the whole event.

Mum Kate Gillham said: "Jessica chose to do it outside on the coldest day of the year – it was flipping freezing.

"She really went for it – it's really short and she's been wearing a hat ever since.

"She's very brave and thinks it's amazing that her hair dries now in two minutes.

"She just wanted to do something good and rewarding in these dark times and make a difference."

The youngster's tresses will be saved and used to make wigs for children who have lost their hair during cancer treatment.

Jessica, who is a pupil at Tabor Academy, said: "I'm raising money for the Braintree and Essex Macmillan Service.

Braintree and Witham Times:

  • Jessica before she braved the shave for charity

"Due to Covid-19 restrictions all public fundraisers and events have been cancelled.

"I wanted to raise money by braving the shave to show my support for those who are currently battling cancer.

"I will also be donating my hair to the Little Princess Trust who make real-hair wigs for cancer patients."

Jessica has raised more than £1,100 – smashing her original £500 target.

A year ago the teenager received a Jack Petchey Award after being nominated by the Braintree Youth Project Charity.

Braintree and Witham Times:

  • Jessica's hair will be used to make wigs by the Little Princess Trust

Linda Kirby, of the Braintree Macmillan fundraising group, said it was an amazing achievement and Jessica had been "very brave and generous" to sacrifice her hair.

"We are very grateful and proud of her amazing charity donation at this very difficult time," she said.

"Funds raised on her page will be allocated to Macmillan projects within Essex."

To donate to Jessica's appeal, visit gofund.me/625a7585.