Bermudian aquarist Alex Hunter has raised more than $40,000 for charity by cutting off his dreadlocks.

The money raised from the hair cut will be split between cancer charity PALS and the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, a special needs school.

Mr. Hunter, a marine biologist, maintains the fish tank at XL Capital Ltd. and often leads natural history tours and helps with the annual Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) summer camp.

He wore dreadlocks for 20 years and was so well known for them he acquired the nickname 'Dready'.

But his hair became cumbersome because he spent a lot of time in the water.

He decided it was time for a change last year after a health scare and his hair was cut off at a special event at the Robin Hood Pub on November 6.

He said afterwards: "It was an amazing experience. To be surrounded by so much love and support actually made the whole experience fairly painless.

"I wasn't at all nervous and had no thoughts of backing out. Some of my friends were anxious for me, even to the point of having trouble sleeping. I really do have the best of friends."

He was stunned by the amount of money raised by a simple haircut.

"It's still coming in," he said. "We are going to leave it open for a few weeks before doing the final tally, but it was over $40,000 by the end of the night itself."

On the evening of the event the locks themselves were auctioned off and he accepted a challenge from former Premier David Saul to not only cut his hair, but also shave his head and beard.

"I don't want to single anyone out, but I do want to thank everyone for their support and generosity," said Mr. Hunter. "We hear so much bad news, it's easy to forget how much good will exists here in Bermuda."

He said after the initial chaos of the event was over, and he was by himself, he did have a low period.

"It's only natural, I suppose," he said. "Since then I haven't looked back. Everyone has been so supportive and positive."

Now he has fun walking up to acquaintances, tapping them on the shoulder to see their reactions.

"There are all sorts of new sensations with my new hair style, including swimming, having a shower, and sleeping," he said. "They all feel different.

"I don't feel any lighter, but I do have this big space around my head where my hair used to be that I have yet to get used to.

"I keep moving my hand up to flick my dreads back, only to find nothing there. And it's cold! Luckily, I had a few beanies on hand."

Donations may be made through the PALS website or through the PALS office.

Donors can visit www.pals.bm and type 'Alex Hunter' into the message box under donations.

Or donations can be made directly at the PALS office at 18 Point Finger Road, Paget.

When the fundraising is finished, PALS has agreed to cut Hope Academy a cheque for half of the proceeds raised.

For more information, telephone PALS at 236-7257.