PETRIFIED Shelly James took one look at the scissors and shivered - it was a totally hair-raising experience for her.

The 35-year-old DJ and karaoke presenter hadn't slept for a week after deciding to get her hair cut to raise money for the Tobi Mills £10,000 Appeal.

This wasn't your average haircut though. Shelly has only had FOUR haircuts in her life because she is so scared of going to the hairdressers.

Her 26ins locks reached down to her thighs. The thought of losing her tresses caused many sleepness nights.

But after hearing about Tobi's plight, mum-of-two Shelly decided to put an end to her phobia and go for the chop.

Kind-hearted Antony Licata, Mahogany's creative artistic director at the salon in Turl Street, Oxford, agreed to treat Shelly to the haircut to raise sponsorship - about £200 so far.

The Oxford Mail arrived just as staff had washed Shelly's hair, ready for the big cut, and she looked terrified!

"I got phone calls from well-wishers before I came here but I am still nervous," said Shelly, before she had her haircut.

Antony said: "It is very fine hair but obviously there is a lot to it so it's going to be a very classic graduated bob - I can understand how nervous she is."

Shelly said she knew she couldn't pull out of it because she didn't want to let down Tobi, who is dying of cancer.

As Antony got to work with the scissors, Shelly kept her eyes closed - something which stemmed from a nightmare haircut when she was younger. As he trimmed, Shelly said: "I can feel the scissors touching the back of my neck. It doesn't actually feel that bad.

"I wanted to do this for Tobi because she is so popular. When I last saw her and told her what I was doing, Tobi said I was mad but she did thank me. She is one hell of a lady."

While Shelly sat in the chair, Antony said: "It is brilliant to do something like this for the appeal, but it is also important that Shelly is happy."

As more hair was snipped off, Shelly surprisingly relaxed a little, although she still refused to look at her reflection.

"It feels very strange because I can feel the air going down my neck. I'm dreading having to stand up because all the weight has gone."

An hour later the hard work had been done and Shelly was transformed.

She had lost 22ins of hair and looked wonderful.

But she still couldn't pluck up the courage to see the result and waited until her hair had been coloured a warm chestnut brown.

But she was thrilled with the finished result.

And more was to come. Sarah Heap, make-up artist from The Make-Up Place in Walton Street, Oxford, dropped by to give Shelly a make-over.

Shelly, who was delighted with her new look, said: "I will show Tobi when I see her. It's been worth a whole week of not sleeping."

Antony said: "To be honest, I wasn't nervous at all." How you can help Cash is pouring in for the Oxford Mail's Tobi Mills £10,000 appeal - but we need more. Cancer-stricken Tobi is trying to find new parents to look after her twins Lauren and Ashton after her death.

All the cash raised will go into a trust fund for the kids and for community projects in Blackbird Leys, Oxford. You can donate by phoning 01865 205192 or faxing 01865 242569, or you can pay over the counter at any Lloyds Bank quoting sort code 30-12-51 and account number 0088442. Make cheques out to the Tobi Mills £10,000 Appeal.

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