When Magnus Henneberger shaves his head for St Baldrick’s it will be the sixth time in a row the 13-year-old Saltus Grammar School student has lost his locks.

But Magnus’s exploits are grounded in the reality of having two people very close to him who were diagnosed with cancer.

“My grandmother died of cancer and my dad was diagnosed with melanoma,” said Magnus, who has so far raised more than $12,500 for St Baldrick’s, which raises money for research into childhood cancers.

Magnus will be joining his fellow students when Saltus has a mass head shave in aid of the charity this Friday. Since the school started taking part in St Baldrick’s it has raised more than $780,000.

“Just think about all the children diagnosed with cancer and not having hair due to the treatment and then think about having all your own hair and what it would be like to lose it all,” added Magnus.

His dad, Mark, has now recovered and will be alongside his son as he too goes under the electric shaver.

“I was recovering last year and Magnus came up to me and said would I like to do it. It’s easy to do, the hair grows back,” said Mr Henneberger.

Jon Beard, deputy head and director of advancement at Saltus, said this year marked the tenth anniversary of Saltus taking part in the St Baldrick’s event. This year, more than 100 students will be joined by Head of School Ted Staunton.

“The students are so enthusiastic about the event and it is the students who drive it and make it happen,” added Mr Beard.

• To donate to Magnus and his father, click here www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/105119/2016