A PLUCKY teenager from York has had her head shaved to raise money in memory of a close family friend who died of cancer.

Schoolgirl Imogen Bawtry, 13, a Year 8 pupil at Joseph Rowntree School in New Earswick, is raising money in memory of Huddersfield teenager Charlie White, who died in April last year aged only 15.

Following his death, Charlie’s family set up the fundraising group Charlie’s Angels which is raising money in aid of CLIC Sargent, a charity which supports children and young people with cancer.

Imogen, who has achondroplasia, otherwise known as dwarfism, said: “I can’t run a marathon or cycle from one end of the country to another, but I can shave my head in respect and admiration for those who don’t have the choice.”

In order to make her own contribution, Imogen chose to have her hair shaved off at school with the help of friends and under the supervision of the school’s hair and beauty staff after the school’s Friday showcase - an event held every Friday where students sing and play music to the whole school.

Tom Day, Imogen’s head of year, was on stage supporting her and giving background information on the charity to pupils and staff throughout.

Mr Day said: “At various stages, the school showed their support with loud cheers and applause, it was truly a memorable event and Imogen’s mum, Jacqueline, was in the audience too.”

After the headshave, head teacher, Maggi Wright spoke to the school to praise Imogen’s courage and said how proud she was that the whole school community had come together to support Imogen.

Imogen has already raised £1,000 and is hoping that the school will have added to that total quite considerably. To pledge your support go to justgiving.com/Jacqueline-Bawtry.