More than £1,050 was raised for Cancer Research UK on Sunday at a Baldock pub, one of whose regulars is set to run a marathon on the Great Wall of China this weekend.

The Comet: Keith East before and after his headshave on Sunday in aid of Cancer Research UK. Picture: Robert HegartyKeith East before and after his headshave on Sunday in aid of Cancer Research UK. Picture: Robert Hegarty (Image: Archant)

White Hart landlord Yos Levi put on the event to help Baldock business owner Robert Hegarty, who is running in the Great Wall Marathon to honour his sister Rebecca and dad Martin – who died from cancer within eight months of each other four years ago.

And both Keith East and Keeley-Ann Newsome had their hair shaved off as part of the day’s fundraising.

Keith, who volunteered to have his head shaved if £250 was raised for Cancer Research UK within an hour, had to submit to Tyler Dungey’s razor after this target was reached in just nine minutes.

Robert, from Letchworth, said: “Keeley-Ann then said if we raised the same again she would have hers shaved too – we did and again the hair had to go.

The Comet: Great Wall Marathon runner Robert Hegarty, left, with White Hart pub landlord Yos Levi. Picture: Robert HegartyGreat Wall Marathon runner Robert Hegarty, left, with White Hart pub landlord Yos Levi. Picture: Robert Hegarty (Image: Archant)

“Yos very kindly put on free barbecue and all drink on draught for £2.50. The day was a great success, with the band donating their time for free.

“I’m as ready as I can be, I hope, and I’ve trained very hard but I’m still very nervous about what’s coming.”

Robert, 40, was set to fly out to China yesterday ahead of Saturday’s marathon.

He added: “Wish me luck please, as the heat is going to be 37°C on the day.”

The Comet: The fundraising event for Cancer Research UK at the White Hart in Baldock. Picture: Robert HegartyThe fundraising event for Cancer Research UK at the White Hart in Baldock. Picture: Robert Hegarty (Image: Archant)

The course is on the Great Wall itself near the village of Huangyaguan, about 30 miles east of Beijing, and is billed as one of the toughest marathons in the world.

Robert has raised almost £2,800 so far.

To find out more or donate to Robert’s fundraising, see justgiving.com/fundraising/Robert-Hegarty5.