KNOWN for her brightly coloured hair, mountain biker Lauren Jenkins braved the clippers last week to raise money for four charities close to her heart.

After deciding that jumping out of a plane or climbing a mountain would be 'too much fun', the 24-year-old, from Milford Haven, decided to have her signature locks shaved off.

“This is more of a sacrifice; I wanted to show how serious I am,” said Lauren, who faced the clippers at Cuts and Curls in Pill Road, Milford Haven, on Friday (December 20).

So far, Lauren has raised almost £1,200 in sponsorship, which will be divided between the Stroke Association and Diabetes UK, and local charities the Paul Sartori Foundation and Green Acres Animal Rescue.

Lauren’s grandfather, Terence Jenkins, suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with diabetes in 2012, and her great grandfather, Howard Jenkins, was a great supporter of Paul Sartori, choosing to raise money for them on his 100th birthday instead of receiving gifts.

Lauren’s family also chose to collect donations in lieu of flowers for the charity when he passed away aged 103.

As an animal lover, Lauren felt it important to help support Green Acres, especially in the run-up to Christmas when the rescue is likely to fill up with unwanted pets.

Lauren’s mum Keri Broome was by her side throughout. “I’m proud of her, not a lot of people would do it,” she said.

“Her hair is a big thing about her, she’s known for having red or purple hair.”

Lauren said the decision to have her head shaved was not an easy one to make.

"My hair is a big part of who I am, so for me to shave it off is a big deal. I can't imagine losing my hair through illness. I just want to give something back to help others and this is how I've chosen to do it."

She added: “It doesn’t look as bad as I thought it would!”

Lauren said she has already been given a selection of hats from friends and family, and expects there to be many more waiting for her under the Christmas tree.

Lauren will be fundraising until January, to add to her total, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/laurengoesbald.