A TEACHING assistant had her head shaved to raise money for a cancer support charity – and she let her pupils do the honours.

Students of Mayfield School, in Whitehaven, were thrilled to play their part in fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support yesterday, as they took it in turns to shave Estelle Gilley’s head.

The caring school hosts a Macmillan coffee afternoon each year, and Estelle decided it was time to raise the stakes.

And when her pupils suggested she shave her head, she thought “how could I say no!”

“The kids are my life, so whatever they say, I just do,” Estelle said before the shave.

“I’m a bit nervous, but the kids are all so excited, and their comments outweigh everything.”

The cancer support charity Macmillan is close to the school’s heart, after losing a teacher to the disease many years ago, as well as staff members knowing family and friends who have suffered from the illness.

And this isn’t the first time Estelle has done her part for those battling cancer. The loving supporter donated her long locks to the Little Princess Trust – a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children undergoing cancer treatment.

Headteacher Sam Kidd was beaming with pride during the shave, and even had a go herself, met with cheers from the school-strong audience.

She said: “We’re all really proud of Estelle, and of what she’s done for such an amazing cause.

“All the children are behind her, and she’s just an inspiration to us all!”

Mayfield pupils were definitely a vital part of the shave, and the eight who took part could barely contain their excitement, grinning the whole time.

When her hair was fully gone, Estelle did her rounds, letting students feel her head and laugh together about how different she looked.

“The kids are the only reason I’m doing it – I’ve been here for 29 years, and they’re just everything to me,” she said.

“We’ve raised £1,000 already, and I’m completely overwhelmed with support.”

To show your support and help Estelle to raise money for the vital charity, visit her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/estelle-gilley.