THE childhood best friend of a Bridgwater police officer who has been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour has undertaken a charity headshave.

Robin Haggett grew up just doors apart from Jim Murray, and the two have been good friends for many years - even being best man at each others wedding.

Jim, aged 51, has served with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary for nearly 20 years, but was diagnosed just after Christmas last year with an aggressive and incurable brain tumour and was told his survival prognosis was 12 to 18 months.

Mr Haggett had his charity headshave at Bar 27 in Bridgwater and raised £224 which will go towards Brain Tumour Research.

Last week Robin presented a cheque to Gain Roberts of Cancer Research UK at Angel Place in Bridgwater.

"It is really important to me," Robin said.

"Jim has been my best friend for many years - we have known each other since we were in nappies.

"I was devastated when I heard of his diagnosis but I am fighting for him.

"I do not have a lot of money I could give, so I thought, what can I do? and I decided I could give my time and effort, and well my hair and help raise awareness.

"I have always quite liked my hair but I don't care about losing it because this is important."

Robin's is not the only fundraising effort inspired by Jim Murray.

Wayne Byles, 35, found himself homeless aged 16 and was taken in by Jim Murray and his family and treated as one of their own.

With Jim's inspiration, Wayne Byles joined the army and has now become a sergeant.

Spurred on by Jim's diagnosis, Wayne began to organise a Canoeing for a Cure fundraising challenge to help raise funds for brain tumour research.

Mr Byles is now launching a fundraising group under the same name, assisted by friends and members of Jim’s family, including Jim’s wife Allyson and their three sons, Richard, Callum and Simon.

Even before launching as an official charitable group, more than £6,000 has already been raised by the Canoeing for a Cure team conducting events such as auctions, raffles, cake-sales and bag-packing in Morrisons, as well as donations from local businesses and through JustGiving.

Wayne and the team are hoping that the canoeing challenge day will raise enough to sponsor at least two days of research – the equivalent of £5,480 (£2,740 per day).

Wayne said: “Jim has always been a father figure to me ever since he helped me turn my life around and inspired me to join the Forces.

"It has been such a shock to me and all of Jim’s family to hear that there is so little that can be done for him and that there is no cure.

“Canoeing for a Cure will be focusing our initial efforts on a feat of impressive strength and endurance with a timed challenge due to take place on Saturday, 8th September. A team of six with two canoes will paddle a total of 29 miles along the Bridgewater and Taunton Canal and walk 14.5 miles, carrying the canoes each weighing 35.8kg.

“We are appealing to the community to join in and help make a difference by taking part in the Bridgewater and Taunton Canal Walk of Hope – a beautiful 12-mile stroll to be held on the same day starting at 10am, to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Research charity in Jim’s honour.

"The registration fee is just £10 per individual or £20 per family (two adults and up to four children under 18).

“Going forward, we will challenge other teams to try and beat the time we set on September 8.

"I have already laid down the gauntlet and am pleased to announce that C&S Fitness of Bridgwater will be contesting our time, while also raising funds for Canoeing for a Cure and the Brain Tumour Research charity.

“I am also proud and very grateful to say we have received our first grant of £200 from the Somerset Community Fund.”