Micah Franklin, the head of squash at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association, has raised $11,138 for St Baldrick's Foundation, a volunteer and donor-powered charity dedicated to research aimed at finding cures for childhood cancers and helping survivors to live long and healthy lives.

Mr Franklin’s initial goal was to raise $10,000 for the cause, but support mostly from the island’s vibrant squash community sent him past it.

Most of the fundraising was done online. The highlight of the initiative came when Mr Franklin had his hair shaved off, which was done at the Bermuda Squash Association on Friday.

This was shortly after the 31-year-old had just fought off a determined Taylor Carrick to win his fifth men’s open title at the Gnosis Bermuda National Squash Championships.

Dan Sullivan, the man who introduced St Baldrick's on the island, shaved the squash champion’s head. On the night alone, $800 was raised by passing around Mr Franklin’s trophy.

Mr Franklin and wife, Eilidh, who is also a squash player, last year became parents for the first time.

“I was approached by the head of St Baldrick's and asked if I would be interested in shaving my head for children’s cancer,’’ Mr Franklin said.

“I had never done it before, and I feel though the clock is ticking on how much hair I'm going to have.

“I wanted to do something good and make the commitment that I might be losing my hair soon, so I want to do it for charity and raise money for all those children out there who aren't as lucky.

“I get to make the decision for myself, but there are so many children that don't get to make the decision. I'm doing this for them and a small chance that I’ll be able to raise enough money to hopefully make a difference.”