The mum of a young boy with a rare skin condition who has raised more than £3,000 for charity by shaving off her long locks is encouraging others to make a difference by breaking out of their comfort zone.

Laura Levy shaved off all her hair at home in Letchworth on Sunday to raise money for the Ichthyosis Support Group – a charity which has helped her five-year-old son, Mekhi Barbour – and to show others that looks are merely skin deep.

Mekhi suffers with ichthyosis, a long-term condition which results in thick, scaly skin due to a faulty gene.

There is no cure, and the symptoms must be controlled by regular bathing routines to prevent the skin from drying and cracking.

Laura’s head was shaved by her friend Clive Shepherd – who made a donation for the privilege – and the experience has left a lasting impression on the life coach.

The 35-year-old said: “I’m challenging others to do an extreme act as a platform for something that they truly believe in and that’s close to their hearts.

“One of the hardest things I’ve struggled with since Mekhi was born is not the rigid routine that I keep to of half hourly eye drops, two-hourly creams and two soaks a day, but how the world would receive my son, the reactions he would get and how he’d be treated.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support for my event and the love and generosity of everyone.

“I set out to make a point about accepting those that don’t fit into conventional beauty and it’s as though that love and acceptance has shined right back in my face.

“Once again, thank you guys.”

Laura has set up a Facebook page called Life on Purpose where she is posting videos to encourage people to take the plunge for something close to their heart.

You can also still donate to Laura’s cause by visiting www.justgiving.com/mylittledude.