WHEN it comes to getting rid of grey hair, shaving it all off is the most dramatic solution. But that's the one taken by a Dorset doctor who decided to shed her locks for the best of causes - the Macmillan Unit Brick By Brick appeal.

Dr Lavina Sakhrani-Clarke is a specialist palliative care doctor at the existing unit, which serves people from a wide area including Ferndown, West Moors, Verwood and Ringwood. She has also worked as a G.P in Bournemouth and Poole and in local hospitals for the past 20 years.

She took the decision to brave the shave because, she said: "I was a junior doctor here back in 1994 and the unit was already 20 years old then. It's time for a re-build because the need for our service is growing and the new building will hugely enhance the support we can offer."

Lavina's head was shaved at the end of last week and raised more than £6,000 for the appeal although, said said: "My JustGiving page is still open and we welcome each and every donation."

She said it was a 'privilege' to be able to support patients and their loved ones through 'such a vulnerable time'. "Our multidisciplinary team takes a holistic approach to caring for them in life, in death and in grief," she added.

Lavina's efforts will be boosted even more on Saturday when Christchurch Hospital holds it summer fayre.

The event takes place at the hospital from 2pm-4pm and includes arts and crafts, a teddy bear raffle, a vintage tea and mini ponies and is in aid of the Brick by Brick appeal.

*justgiving.com/fundraising/lavina-clarke