Kerry Judd has witnessed her grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law and one of her best friends being diagnosed with cancer.

And tonight, she will do what so many others would not dare to do: she will shave her head in the name of charity.

Ms Judd will be taking part in St. Baldrick's Day, a charity that aims to raise money for research into cancer. Every year, around the world, people shave their heads as a way of raising money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

So far, Ms Judd has raised $3,000 for the cause, and hopes to have even more after tonight's event at the BAA Gymnasium from 5 p.m. Ms Judd is scheduled to be shaved at 6 p.m.

After seeing so many family members affected, her decision to help was sealed last summer after one of her girlfriend's found she had breast cancer at the age of 35.

"One of my clients over the past three years has become one of my best friends," said Ms Judd, who runs New Beginnings Inc.

"Talk about a wakeup call in terms of figuring out what in life is truly important. We were having a conversation about the strong possibility that she would lose her hair prior to her wedding and what that experience might be like for her.

"In that moment, I decided that I would participate in the next St. Baldrick's and put my hair and my desire to raise funds to good use. It was a split second, yet very firm decision, and I've been committed to the decision ever since."

Once her hair has been cut, she will donate it to the Locks of Love Charity, which makes wigs for children suffering from cancer.

She added: "I'm not sure if I'll miss my hair to be honest. I don't really look at it that way. See, I have a choice in having my head shaved. The people who lose their hair to cancer treatment don't.

"And from what has been shared with me, it is a deeply personal experience and often times extremely painful and traumatic.

"This is not painful to me; it's not traumatic. It is a means to an end, which is raising money for cancer research and honouring those people who have fought the disease."

She added: "For all of the fun and laughs that will take place at BAA, immediately prior and/or following, it's important that we not lose sight of what the experience of losing one's hair is for the person who has no choice in the matter."

Eight Saltus Gramar School students – Nicholas Bergquist, Jonas Schroder, Brian Egan, Dylan Lightbourne, James Patterson, Alex Davis, Lachlan Cash and John Barnes – and two staff members are having their heads shaved for St. Baldricks.

Saltus Upper Primary students will also be having a Grub Day today to raise funds for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

The head shaving will take place in the senior school hall at 1.30 p.m. today. Contact Eric Totten at etotten@saltus.bm for more informaiton.