Brave fundraisers have had their heads shaved in aid of the family of a young girl whose battle with cancer touched a community.

Eastern Daily Press: Stalls at the fundraiser for Poppy-Mai Barnard's family in Well Street, Thetford.Stalls at the fundraiser for Poppy-Mai Barnard's family in Well Street, Thetford. (Image: Archant)

Wendy Ley and Tim Bullett had their heads shaved earlier this afternoon at Style Lounge, in Thetford, in aid of the family of Poppy-Mai Barnard.

The hair salon also arranged for a range of stalls and a bouncy castle to be set up in Well Street, with hundreds of people turning out to raise money.

Ms Ley said she had been touched by the Barnard family's story, and had been made aware of it by Mr Bullett, a neighbour of the family.

'I wanted to do something for charity for a while, and I'd thought about shaving my head.

'When I saw their story, I thought it was so sad and as a parent, I really felt for them,' she said.

Ms Ley also thanked Style Lounge for their help.

Maria Dean, owner of Style Lounge, said she was happy to help the Barnards, who are customers at the salon.

'We are a tight community here and their story has touched so many people.

'We wanted to help raise awareness as well as money as it is such a sad story, and if it was any of us we would want people to come together and give their support,' she said.

Poppy-Mai died earlier this month after a battle with a malignant rhabdoid tumour.

Her family have pledged to raise funds in her memory to create a sanctuary for families of sick children, with nearly £60,000 raised already.

Another £420 was also raised at a 10k run and walk this morning, organised by Thetford Parkrun and Thetford Iceni runners.