A Sidmouth man, whose family has been devastated by cancer, went to new lengths to raise money for charity.

Sidmouth Herald: Toby Perry after his head shave at Sidmouth Football Club. Ref shs 8325-47-14TI Picture: Terry IfeToby Perry after his head shave at Sidmouth Football Club. Ref shs 8325-47-14TI Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Toby Perry, 21, of Manstone Avenue, felt helpless when his mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer four weeks ago, then he made the decision to shave his head.

His actions have raised more than £350 so far for Cancer Research UK.

Toby’s mum, Jane Perry, said it is all very close to home for Toby, 21, who also lost his dad to cancer 18 years ago.

His aunt has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and his grandfather also died from the disease.

Jane remembers the day he announced his plan. “He said ‘I want to shave my hair off’ as his way of giving me a bit of support,” she told the Herald.

“It was Toby’s way of dealing with it, but also giving me a lift and helping others out there,” she said.

Toby said: “I could not do much to help out and I had really long hair and I thought this was something I could do.

“It was to go out to all the cancer patients and anyone who has suffered.”

Toby was surrounded by family and friends as he sat in Sidmouth Football Club on Saturday, November 15, ready to have his hair shaved off.

“As I was walking down to the club, the nerves got to me, but as soon as all my friends came, I was so calm and so happy to do it,” he said.

He is now hoping to donate his shaven locks to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

“At some points, you do feel helpless because there is not much you can do, but seeing a distinct change in my appearance, I guess it helps give support,” said Toby.

He added: “It is a massive change. I can actually see.”

Jane said she was both proud and emotional about Toby’s actions.

“He is a 21-year-old and to do what he did takes a very big man and I am very proud of him,” she said.

“I have to keep looking at him and wondering ‘Is that my son?’.”

Toby is still collecting fundraising money and welcomes donations.

For more information, or to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Toby-Perry.