A CUSTOMER service assistant from Tesco's in Cam decided to “baldly go” for a new look in aid of a cancer charity.

Judy Wood decided to shave her head to help raise funds for both research into, and awareness of, prostate cancer, after her husband Steve was diagnosed with the disease last year.

Happily, after receiving swift treatment, Steve is now clear of the disease.

"Steve had no symptoms, but as his dad died of prostate cancer, he has his PSA tested every year," said Judy.

PSA is a protein made in the prostate gland. Some of this PSA leaks into the blood and can be measured in the PSA test. A raised level may sometimes be a sign of prostate cancer.

"Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men over 50 in the UK," added Judy.

"So it's important to get your PSA tested."

Judy had her head shaved on December 11 at Minchinhampton Golf Club and has since raised just over £3,000 for the charity, along with bringing attention to the disease.

"I have given the money to two charities, Prostate Cancer UK and Cotswolds Cancer Support Group.

"I work at Tesco, Cam and over £800 of this total was raised through one bucket being at the customer service desk there.

"The customers have been so very supportive and generous."

Judy says that one of the only problems with having her head shaved was being mistaken for a man.

"Everybody has been extremely complimentary about my hair. But I make sure I wear mascara and pink lipstick, just to emphasise that I am female, as I was taken for a man twice over the Christmas period," she said.

Judy and Patrick Piercey, store manager, presented a representative of Cotswold Prostate Cancer Support Group with a cheque at Tesco in Cam on January 11.

Donations to the charity can still be made at the customer services desk.