THE wife of a former professional footballer suffering from terminal cancer has had her head shaved to thank NHS staff caring for him.

John Roper, now 83, a prolific goalscorer for Kent side Gillingham in the 1960s, has been treated at the Beacon Centre cancer unit at Musgrove Park Hospital.

His wife, Anne, wanted to show her gratitude for the kindness shown to him and hit on the idea of cutting all her hair off.

Friends snipped off her locks on Saturday evening and has so far raised £800 for the Beacon Centre.

Anne, 65, who lives with her husband in Henlade, said: "When John was first diagnosed with cancer six or seven years ago, I went to pieces.

"But they've been so good at the Beacon Centre.

"They've given me all the support I've needed, so I felt I should do something in return, especially as I know I'm going to have to depend on them again as his cancer is at an advanced stage."

As well as sponsorship for the head shave, she raised a further £10 by having both eyebrows razored off, while a raffle brought in a further £42 and Sedgemoor Vintage Club, where she is secretary, also made a donation.

"People have rallied round and it's much appreciated," said Anne, who is originally from Langport.

"We were married in 1984 and have lived in Henlade since 1989 and people here have been so supportive of us.

"It was dreadful finding out John's cancer was inoperable, but everyone has been so kind."

When John turned 70, Gillingham sent him a birthday card signed by all the players.

He had been forced to retire early after being diagnosed with lymphoma.