A long-time hospital charity support has had her hair shaved to raise money for cancer care.

Ranjan Chowda, who lives in Mill Hill, braved the shave with her selfless efforts raising more than £5,000 for cancer patients at Barnet Hospital.

The 75-year-old said: "2020 was a tough year for everyone. I was unable to see my family and lived most of the year socially distanced from my loved ones. I have used this period as a time for reflection and I’m grateful that at my age I still have my health.

"I realised that I am going to be 75 and knowing that there are others out there less fortunate than me, I felt compelled to give back.

"Hair for any man, woman or child is their identity. It is their beauty and there are some less fortunate people out there with terminal illnesses who have no choice in this matter. "

Mrs Chowda, who came to the UK in 1972 as as Ugandan refugee, added: "It is for this reason that I felt it was time to give something up and gain support to raise awareness for cancer patients, both young and old."

Community fundraiser at the Royal Free Charity, Carla Bispham, said: "We are extremely grateful to Ranjan for shaving off her much-loved hair and raising money for The Royal Free Charity.

"The donations will make a big difference to the experience of our patients and staff."

Mrs Chowda has helped raise £5,768 so far. The Just Giving page can be found here.