A GROUP of friends from Weymouth have handed over a cheque for a staggering £20,000 for the Digital Mammography Appeal.

The group of best friends, called the Baldies, held a marathon of events in March where they all shaved their heads or chests for the hospital’s mammography appeal.

Weymouth hairdresser Anne-Marie Male led the fundraising effort after being diagnosed with breast cancer last October on the day of her 42nd birthday.

Her friends and family rallied round to support her and her best friend Gerry Lewis suggested that if Anne-Marie lost her hair, then so would her friends in support.

So eight of her female best friends and 10 male friends, including Anne-Marie’s husband Steve, agreed to shave their heads for charity.

Another six male friends then had their chests waxed the next day.

Anne-Marie Male said she was completely overwhelmed by the generosity of local people who sponsored the appeal.

She said: “I would like to say a big thank you firstly to the baldies who made this event possible.

“They all worked so hard in collecting sponsor money and as you can see it has all paid off.

“We have donated the massive amount of £20,000 to the appeal.

“Let’s hope the money we have raised helps to make future patients’ results quicker and therefore less stressful.”

During day one of fundraising the group of friends made their way through the Kings Arms, the Lazy Lizard, the Duke of Albany, the Railway Tavern and the Famous Old Spa.

Each venue supported the Baldies in their fundraising effort while crowds gathered to watch them shave their heads.

Mrs Male added: “I would also like to thank the pub landlords and landladies for being so accommodating to us on the day and also to hairdressers Kate, Jesse, Jo, Jordan and Vicki for the waxing.

“Last but not least I’d like to thank the businesses of Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester who have donated raffle prizes for past and future events – thank you so much.”

All the money raised went to DCH’s breast cancer unit to help the Echo-backed appeal to raise £500,000 for the new digital machine.

Jean O’Callaghan, chief executive of Dorset County Hospital, collected the cheque on behalf of the appeal. She said: “It is a phenomenal achievement to raise this amount and I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done. They are an amazing group of people.”

To donate you can leave a cheque made payable to The Baldies Appeal at any Dorset Echo office.