A GROUP of old school friends waved goodbye to their precious locks to raise money for a pal who is suffering from cancer — and collected more than £12,000.

The 11 young men who grew up together at Waingels College in Woodley, had their heads shaved for Sarcoma UK after their friend Tom Eckles was diagnosed with the condition last year.

The 20-year-old was diagnosed with the rare cancer in October and his hair fell out because of his treatment. So his gang of friends — known as the Bird — went bald last Friday night at the Marc Antoni salon in Caversham as a mark of solidarity.

Tom, who has deferred a place at Manchester University, said he was “touched” by their effort.

He said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in the fundraising effort including all those that donated both their time and money so generously to the cause.

“I was completely taken a back by the amount raised and the support shown by those who have left messages. I also want to give a special mention to the staff of Marc Antoni in Caversham who gave up their time to perform the shave as well as the group of 12 and his dad who were prepared to bare the cold and shave their heads.”

One of Tom’s friends to take part, 20-year-old James Mulligan, said: “Hair is temporary but friendship is permanent.

“It was good fun, and it was great to see a smile on Tom’s face.”

He added that it was so cold without hair they have taken to wearing hats.

The Bird has raised £12,745 through its JustGiving web page, and further donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/J-Harris1/