A COMPASSIONATE couple are preparing to chop off their long locks to make wigs for children with cancer.

Alex Goedhals, 36, has not had a haircut for 17 years since he left the army and his brown mane falls halfway down his back.

But now he and girlfriend Sue Shulver, 37, have found the perfect reason to face a pair of scissors.

They are to brave a sponsored haircut at the Warbank Sports and Social Club, the New Addington pub where Sue works.

IT consultant Alex said: "I'm getting used to the idea of my hair being chopped off. Initially it was a bit weird and I'm sure I will be feeling nervous on the day.

"I'm very fond of my hair but in the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter.

"It's much more important we help these kids.

"A lot of children get bullied for losing their hair and it means so much more to them than adults.

"Bullies at school can be ruthless and I read some of the kids who go bald even think about killing themselves.

"If we are able to give even one child a head of hair and stop that from happening it will be worth it."

Alex and Sue's hair will be sent to the Little Princess Trust along with all the sponsorship money they raise.

It costs the charity £300 to make each wig and the couple, who live in Biggin Hill, have set themselves a target donation of £500.

Sue said: "I've been with Alex for 11 years so I've never seen him with short hair. I hope I will still like him as much!

"I've always had long hair but it will be right to my neck when it's cut off.

"We have a five-year-old son, Cyrus, and being able to help the children strikes a chord with me as a mum, too."

Helping cancer sufferers is especially personal to Sue because her dad, Douglas, died from the disease eight years ago.

Every year a darts tournament is held in the pub, which is run by Sue's mum, Anita, to raise money for Harris HospisCare in his memory.

This year the money from the event, taking place on the same day as the haircuts, will be split between the two charities.

Raffle tickets will be sold on the day to choose the lucky punter who will get to chop the couple's hair off.

The haircut is set to take place at the pub in Warbank Crescent, on August 30. Times have yet to be decided, so anyone going along should call Sue or Anita on 01689 849371.

Visit the website at www.just giving.com/hair4kids to sponsor Alex and Sue.