A remarkable young Ocean View girl braved a close shave to support her grandmother.
About 120 people watched Big Rock Primary School pupil Jessica Power sit on the school's library veranda on Thursday and have her shoulder-length hair shaved off.
The shave was a show of support for her grandmother, Carol Power (70), who has been battling cancer for the past three years.
Carol said it was ''awesome'' Jessica had raised nearly $1700 in three weeks for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
''This just blows me away ... Words don't describe it. She's a brave little girl.''
Carol had a ''holiday'' booked at the Otago Community Hospice and was philosophical about the future but aimed to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband Alan Power (74) in July.
''I hope to be here for that,'' Mrs Power said.
In the crowd at the Brighton school were Jessica's parents Garry and Lynda and her sister Courtney (12).
The hairdresser slowly shaved Jessica's head and left her fringe for last.
As the clippers removed the final strands, the crowd erupted in applause and the children rushed forward to give Jessica high-fives and head-rubs.
''It feels really weird,'' Jessica said, stroking her scalp.
Big Rock Primary School principal David Grant said it was a ''remarkable'' fundraising effort by the year 6 pupil.
''She is an incredible young lady,'' Mr Grant said.
