A Mount Gambier teenager has got the chop – raising more than $1000 for charity.

Eighteen year old Violet Webber (pictured) raised $1229 for kids with cancer as part of Canteen’s Bandanna Day.

“I had 50 centimetres cut off my hair which I have been growing for three years,” Miss Webber said.

“Courtney Polgreen cut my hair for free because she knew why I was doing it which was lovely of her.

“Once she cut off the plait, I shed one tear and then it was done.

“It is very different to see myself with short hair and I am still not used to it.”

Ms Webber said cutting her hair to raise money for kids living with cancer was something she had always wanted to do, admitting it just took a while to get the courage to cut off her locks.

“It is a very special cause for a lot of people because cancer affects so many and I was cutting my hair short anyway so I thought I may as well raise money for a good cause,” she said.

“I would like to thank my family, friends and everyone that has supported me.

“I feel like I have only done a small part by cutting my hair, the community has played a significant part by donating helping me smash my $500 goal.”

Miss Webber said the money donated would go towards Canteen programs assisting with counselling and peer support groups for young people affected by cancer.

“Every $500 raised helps 10 young people affected by cancer with access to counselling so I have raised enough money for over 20 kids to receive counselling,” she said.

“It just shows children with cancer there are people thinking about them and supporting them and they are not alone despite what they are going through.”