After getting repeated calls to cut my hair - through a multitude of colourful sayings - I came up with the idea of a charity headshave, to raise money for a good cause.

I figured "Give the people what they want" but at a price, which will go to raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation (which is incorporated into the wider Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Charity.)

Not only was Sir Bobby Robson someone I looked up to and respected - the courage and spirit he showed in his repeated fights against cancer was truly inspiring - this disease has also affected my own family and those of some of my closest friends.

While all of the people I know who've been diagnosed fought against the disease, unfortunately, not all of them were able to beat it.

Even now, while working for Blyth Spartans, it's something that remains in the forefront of my mind.

Last season, I heard of young Cory Davison's battle with cancer. To see a seven-year-old lad go through something like that and battle through with a smile on his face is something not many of us would be able to do.

I wrote a feature on him at the time which, while inspirational, was - without a doubt - one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever done. However, Cory's story has had a happy ending - as he entered remission last May and hasn't looked back.

While my fundraising won't be a patch on Cory's efforts (I'd list them all, but I've waffled on enough as it is and I'm sure they'd make me far surpass the word count) I'd at least like to say I've done something in the fight against such a horrible disease. I just want to raise as much money as I can. "Owt is better than nowt" and all that.

Plus, if losing all of my hair is enough to see certain individuals part with their cash, then it's all the more reason to do it.

So please, dig deep and donate. Thanks for reading.