You couldn’t pay most women to go bald, but nurse Roslyn “Wally” Simmons had her price: $3,650. That’s the amount she raised for cancer charity PALS by chopping off 12 years worth of dreadlocks. She presented the cheque to PALS this week.Ms Simmons wanted to do something for PALS after they helped her cousin who has colon cancer. “We cannot thank Wally enough for choosing PALS as the recipient of her brave decision to cut her locks off,” said the charity’s president Ann Smith Gordon. “To do it in support of her cousin who is losing her hair and at the same time in support of PALS who have helped her family in the past is commendable and we are most grateful to her.”Ms Simmons raised the money by soliciting her friends and family, and also through a donation tin at Rotisserie Grill in Smith’s.“A group of my friends got together at my brother’s house and they helped me to cut my hair,” she said. “They each took the scissors and cut off a lock of hair. Then we shaved my head.”Ms Simmons said she didn’t feel scared when her hair was cut.“I just felt like, ‘okay, I’m on my way’,” she said. “It was fun.”She didn’t have a target amount of funds in mind when she decided to fund raise, so she was pleasantly surprised to raise $3,650.She is now maintaining the bald look and is enjoying many compliments.“I pass this guy every morning on my walking route,” she said. “The other morning I walked by him, and he did a double take. Sometimes people don’t recognise me without hair.”Ms Simmons said strangers have come up to her to thank her for helping PALS, because they had been helped by the charity.“That really made me feel good,” she said. “The best part is going for a swim and not having to worry about my hair afterward. Now I just dive in, get out, pat my head dry, slap a little oil on it and I’m good to go.”Ms Simmons said she’d had several other family members helped by PALS including her parents.“I have had so many family members come up with cancer,” said Ms Simmons. “Some have passed away and some are still with us. I wanted to help PALS in whatever way I could because they have helped my family members so much. PALS nurses come to the house, no charge, help with the patient and get things that you need for the patient.”To make a donation to PALS telephone 236-7257, e-mail pals@northrock.bm or visit www.pals.bm. Make a donation through Ms Simmons on 335-9020.