A teenager who shaved her head to raise money for charity was left devastated when the aunt she was supporting died days before the event.

Ilford Recorder: Meera Kavia bravely went through with the head shave.Meera Kavia bravely went through with the head shave. (Image: Archant)

Meera Kavia, 18, of Ilford, planned to support her auntie Usha, also of Ilford, who was ­diagnosed with ovarian cancer four weeks ago and was worried about losing her hair.

But 10 days before Meera was to go through with the brave act, she and her family were given the awful news.

“I was so shocked. It still hasn’t really hit me,” said Meera. “She was really happy that I was going to do it to support her.”

Meera decided to go through with the sponsored shave and has so far raised almost £2,500 for the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group. Her hair has been donated to the Little Princess Trust, which makes it into wigs for children.

“It was really emotional, ­because I thought my auntie was going to be there when I did it,” explained Meera, whose father shaved her head on Friday.

“But my cousins, her children, were all really proud when I saw them. It was overwhelming.”

Meera, who studies psychology at Roehampton University, says she is scared about her friends’ reaction next term.

Scared

She said: “I haven’t really been out yet so I’m quite scared, but there’s no turning back now.”

Meera thanked those who have donated to her during this hard time. “I’ve been overwhelmed with so much support online, from family, friends, neighbours and people I don’t know,” she added.

• If you wish to donate to Meera, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MeeraKavia.