While it may be hard to prise many teenage boys from their bedrooms, one 16-year-old from Helston has spent the last eight weeks fundraising before shaving his head in the name of charity.

Connor Sharkey has currently collected more than £800 after deciding just after Christmas to sign up for Macmillan Cancer Support’s Brave the Shave campaign, when a close family friend was diagnosed with cancer.

When not attending lectures in agricultural engineering at Duchy College, Connor has been asking family, friends, neighbours and his lecturers for sponsorship.

His mum Michelle baked muffins to sell at Valentine’s Day and they also placed a collection box at where she works, at KC’s fish and chip shop in Rosudgeon, where Connor also works part time.

Michelle, from Cades Parc, said: “My husband and I are very proud of him for what’s he’s done. It’s a big thing to do for a 16-year-old. He’s done it all himself. He’s quite thoughtful in that way.”

A small group of family and friends gathered last Monday for the big chop and Michelle said that fortunately the shaved hair look actually suited Connor – although he has had to go and buy a few hats to keep warm.

“He had left his hair grow, so he couldn’t wait to get it off. He was thinking about whether to have a haircut before having the shave!” she added.

Michelle thanked everybody who has supported Connor, saying: “Lots of people did and there are so many charities out there, people can’t give to everything. He only decided to do it just after Christmas. We’re really pleased.”