Boxing fans dug deep into their pockets last week to sponsor a teenager as he shaved his long hair off for charity.

Bradley Hymos's grandmother was recently diagnosed with cancer, prompting him to raise money for research.

Darren Hymos, 17-year-old Bradley’s father, mentioned the challenge to his friends at the Sparta300 boxing gym in Chingford.

Keen to get involved, the owners of the gym invited Bradley to take the challenge in the middle of the ring.

“A lot of my family have had cancer and some people that I know have lost their life,” Bradley said.

“My hair is such a big thing for me so it was definitely a challenge.

“It was so nerve-wracking because everyone is looking at you. The whole room went silent, but it did feel good when everyone was clapping at the end."

An auction was held and two businessmen paid £500 for the honour of shaving the teenager’s head.

Darren Hymos, who lives in Clayhall, said he was very proud of his son and shocked at people’s generosity.

He added: “I mentioned it at the gym and the owners said Bradley could do it at their first event.

“There were buckets going round and by the end we already had £1200.

“He loves his hair, it was something that was a real challenge for him. After his nan was diagnosed he wanted to do something. He just did it off his own back.”

The Hymos family have collected almost £2,000, which they will donate to Cancer Research.