MARINA bosses went beyond the call of duty when they underwent sponsored head shaves to boost two charities’ coffers.

Dean & Reddyhoff Portland Marina manager Russ Levett and assistant-manager Paul Swain had their locks chopped before cheering crowds at last Saturday’s annual berth holders’ party.

The two charities chosen to benefit from this year’s event are the Will Mackaness Trust and the Purbeck Isle Memorial Fund.

Gold medallist Paralympian Helena Lucas also threw her support behind the fundraiser, and joined hundreds of boat owners to enjoy paella, live music and a fancy dress competition for the worthy causes.

Trustee Pam Govier attended to explain how the charity set up in memory of her son Will Mackaness, who tragically died from a brain tumour aged 16, had enabled hundreds of Weymouth and Portland schoolchildren to enjoy the thrill of watersports and the life skill of learning to swim.

Govier said: “Everybody talks about the legacy of the Olympics and this is a surefire way for the people of Weymouth and Portland to benefit from it.

“My son Will was passionate about watersports, he was fortunate to have been left money from an uncle but for so many young people it’s too expensive a hobby.

“By building the trust, children not only get the funding but also the physical access to it.

“I’m so proud that something good has come out of Will’s death.

“He will never be forgotten, which really is fantastic.”

The Purbeck Isle boat, with three crew onboard, went out on May 17 but never returned.

The bodies of skipper David McFarlane and crewman Jack Craig have since been found but crewman Robert Prowse is still missing.

The memorial fund was set up in the wake of the tragedy by the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen’s and Boatmen’s Association to help the families of the three men.