Pair given short back and no sides

HEADS, YOU WIN: Raewyn Overton-Stuart presents her new look to delighted supporters on Wednesday night.

Whanganui Chamber of Commerce president Raewyn Overton-Stuart is a changed woman.

Together with Mary Morris, a visiting teacher for Ms Overton-Stuart's business, PAUA early childhood home based care service, she sacrificed her hair on Wednesday night in aid of Leukaemia and Blood Cancers NZ.

The close shave was delivered by Jess from Pure Hair Spa.

The women had set a target of $10,000 for a complete blade shave and $7000 for a number 1 clipper cut.

When it came time to chop the locks on Wednesday night, they had jointly raised just under $3500 so decided to go ahead with the number 1 in expectation of further donations.

As her hair was being cut, Ms Overton-Stuart was remembering those who had battled blood diseases.

Her grandfather died of leukaemia and other family members had suffered from blood cancers.

"I was thinking of those loved ones who have battled cancer and lost, and all my friends and whanau who are currently challenged with this," she said.

Donations can still be made and those wanting to support the two women should go to www.shaveforacure.co.nz and search for PAUA Team. Alternatively, there is a donations bucket at PAUA Products, 9 Park Place, where the hair-cutting took place.

And Ms Overton-Stuart may not have yet escaped the razor blade.

"If a mystery benefactor takes our total past $10,000, I will still have the full blade shave," she said.