JO Charlesworth went to extraordinary lengths to help out a pal.

The 26-year-old had worn her hair long from being a child, having the occasional trim when required.

When Terry Flaherty, a customer at her parents' club - Buttershaw Lane WMC - who she had known from being six years old, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Jo decided her long locks just had to go.

Jo, along with Terry's pals were planning a fundraising event to raise funds for the cancer charity Macmillan.

Coincidentally, Jo recalls being in the car with Terry on the journey back from hospital following one of his appointments when an advertisement for Macmillan's 'Brave the Shave' came on the car radio.

"We were on about doing a fundraiser anyway," says Jo.

"I've always had long hair and only have it trimmed when it needs sorting out."

Inspired by some of the other women at the club, including Terry's partner Nicola Lamb, who had planned to get involved with Macmillan's Brave the Shave campaign, Jo decided to join them.

Considering the cause she was supporting, and knowing it could help others in the same predicament as her pal, she admits she was nervous but was willing to lose her long locks.

"Obviously I knew it was for a good cause - I wasn't going to go as short as I did but I thought 'go for it' when I saw the others. I was a bit nervous because I've never had short hair," adds Jo.

Now she is getting used to her new look. "It felt good that we were doing it for a good cause but I still felt a bit shocked when I looked in the mirror."

She's already got a hat to cope with the cold and says she is definitely planning on growing her hair again!!

Jo says she is also delighted with the total raised at the club - which now stands at over £6,000 - during the Brave the Shave event in October.

"It is absolutely brilliant. It goes to show what small communities can do when they get together," she adds.

Terry's friend Steve Jowett, who was also instrumental in helping to organise the event, credits the club with supporting the event and helping them to raise such a phenomenal amount.

"We were hoping to raise £3,000 and it just shot past that. The club helped a lot," says Steve.

It was Steve's brother, Kevin, who introduced him to Terry. "My brother grew up with Terry. They have been friends for years and we get on like a house on fire," explains Steve.

Their friendship developed through their association with the club. Steve was with Terry when he received the news of his diagnosis with cancer in his stomach and liver in June this year.

He, along with Terry's many other pals, are keen to support him so came up with the idea for a fundraiser - although Steve had to bow out of the brave the shave.

"I'm follicly challenged as it is!" he explains.

Says Terry: "I think what they have done is marvellous."

Terry has been a member of the club for more than 20 years, after moving to Wibsey. He is well-known in the club and has made many firm friendships during that time.

"They have been fantastic," says Terry, referring to the support he has received.

"And the fundraiser was just out of this world and the amount they raised it staggered me that they had raised all that in a day.

"But my partner raised £1,000 just by having her hair shaved," adds Terry.

"It was amazing and a lot of people turned up - it was unbelievable."

Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity providing practical, medical and financial support. It also campaigns for improved cancer care.

'Brave the Shave' is one of many fundraising campaigns including The World's Biggest Coffee Morning mornings and sponsored sporting activities.

Since 2015 participants of Macmillan's Brave the Shave have raised more than £16.8 million. As well as fundraising for Macmillan, participants can donate their hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity providing real hair wigs to children and young adults who have lost their hair through cancer treatment and other illnesses.

Adele Hopkins, regional fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support says: "Meeting Steve and everyone involved in the event just took my breath away. I am in awe that they put in such an incredible day and night to raise money for Macmillan whilst their friend is going through a difficult time. I am so grateful and money raised will help so many people affected by cancer locally.

For more information visit bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk. To find out more about Macmillan Cancer Support, or to get involved, visit macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 0000.