Schoolgirl Ella McBeath is braving a drastic experience to help a charity fight a disease which claimed her grandfather.

The 11-year-old is having her locks shorn off today to raise money for the charity Motor Neurone Disease Association.

By the time the hair dressers have finished the youngsters from Totnes will be practically bald, explained her proud mum Sophia.

“A couple of years ago her grandfather died of motor neurone disease and she saw what it did to him,” said Sophia who lives with her builder husband Paul and Ella at Follaton, Totnes. She said Ella had been inspired after reading about others undergoing head shaves to raise cash for charity.

“She is not being precious about her hair. She says her hair will grow back. I am very impressed with her,” Sophia added.

“If more children did this sort of thing we would have a future generation who were not so obsessed with themselves and looking at how they can make a difference.

“That is why I am so proud of her because she is looking at other people less fortunate them herself.”

Teachers and pupils at Ella’s primary school at Dartington are already sponsoring her for her head shave taking place at the Amanda Marsden hairdressers in Totnes High Street this evening.

Ella has already passed her £300 fund raising target after raising £230 through social media and another £130 through sponsorship forms.

“The school has been fantastic. Her fellow classmates are supporting her and one has given her £10 from their pocket money,” said Sophia.

Sophia will be with Ella at the hairdressers this evening and she added: “I think I am more nervous about it than she is.”