A FATHER who has a rare blood cancer raised funds during a charity headshave event in Easter Compton with his step son last month.

The family from Pilning have raised almost £3,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust, and their event took in £716 sponsorship towards their online Just Giving total of £1,840.

Simon Edwards, and his step son Charlie, took part in the headshave at The Fox pub in Easter Compton on Sunday, December 18 to raise donations and awareness of the life-saving work of the blood cancer charity.

Next month will mark the fifth anniversary since Simon was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

The 48-year-old said: “Charlie was rally keen for us to get our heads shaved for the Anthony Nolan Trust - he's been pestering me since last summer and I finally succumbed. I did, however, insist that we would have to raise at least £2000.”

Simon has had a number of bone marrow biopsies and was given a chemotherapy treatment in the form of tablets.

He said: “I am okay at the moment, there are times that I have fatigue and feel completely wiped out, but I take things day-to-day.”

He continues to work as an Early Years Practitioner and stays with his wife, Pauline, and their teenage children.

Simon added: “There is more pressure on my wife when I am not well – she has to do everything.”

Pauline organised the event - which included a raffle with donated prizes, a cake sale and live music.

She said: “Everyone has been fantastic, there have been so many donations from businesses and people in the community.”

A hairdresser from Christopher’s Barbers Shop got his clippers out to sheer Charlie and then Simon’s hair.

Charlie Stephen, 19, who is a Sociology student at Sheffield University came home for the event.

He said: “In August we both needed a haircut and I said we should do a headshave for the cancer charity, and he laughed it off originally.

“The condition has affected our family for five years so I wanted to help him and others like him and that is why we went ahead with it.”

Simon added: “We've been overwhelmed by the generosity of people in the local community and I’m really touched by the support.

“I was worried it would just be two guys going along for a haircut - I’m gobsmacked by the number of people who came along. Thanks to everyone, I really appreciate it - is has been absolutely amazing.”

To donate visit their Just Giving sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-charlie-headshave.