There will be at least 20 individuals going under the razor at Robin Hood's Pub this afternoon, to raise funds for research to benefit children with cancer.

The popular St. Baldrick's fundraiser, held in Bermuda and other countries annually on or around St. Patrick's Day, last year raised in excess of $700,000 in Bermuda alone.

This year's bid to help sick children, both in Bermuda and elsewhere, begins at 2 p.m.

Those participating ? including growing participation by women each year ? come from a range of sectors, from insurance (the event was started in the US by a group of insurance executives) to I.T. There are also some die-hard sailors from the Royal Amateur Dinghy Club signed up for this year's head-shave.

One participant, Peter Marshall, has made a bid to boost his fundraising appeal by designing a catchy, mock magazine cover to highlight the benefits of supporting him (pictured). Mr. Marshall said he has raised nearly $3,000.

In total, the St. Baldrick's fundraiser ? which dates back five years ? has raised nearly $7 million by now. Since Bermuda began hosting its own St. Baldrick's event in 2002, participants have raised a total of $1.4 million. And through the years, a number of participants have chosen to take part on behalf of family members suffering from cancer or other serious illness.

Last-minute pledges made at the event today, and company matching plans are likely to boost the fundraising effort significantly.

To give money or find out more about this year's Bermuda event, and participants, go to www.stbaldricks.org.

Donations made through the website will go to the US. Alternatively, you can make sure your donation remains in Bermuda, going to local cancer charity PALS. A separate form for these donations can be obtained by calling 298-5117. A donation made in Bermuda or the US is considered tax deductible, for US purposes.