Two friends who have gone into business together to open a new barber’s shop in Tamworth’s Ankerside Shopping centre are aiming to raise funds for prostate cancer awareness.

Sally Tunnicliffe and Shaun Williams have opened the doors on their Hair Razor business inside the busy shopping mall, offering hair styling for gents and boys.

During May they are joining forces with Prostate Cancer UK’s Men United campaign, which is spearheaded by comedian and musician Bill Bailey. They will be donating 10% of the bill for every hair styling for a fortnight in May to the charity.

Sally has previously raised hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research with Race for Life. Now she’s decided to use her business to help raise the profile of prostate cancer,  which kills 10,000 men a year in the UK – many of whom could have been treated if the disease was spotted earlier.

“I was shocked when I discovered that prostate cancer is the most common form in men, but too often it’s not discussed by blokes. It is under-funded, while the availability of treatment can also vary,” said Sally.

Shaun, 27,  from Belgrave in Tamworth, added: “We will be stocking information in the shop, so men can chat about it if they wish while we’re cutting their hair, or just take it home to read. In addition, we will be donating 10% of every haircut, over £10, to the charity.”

The Hair Razor’s two-week long fund-raising effort, which kicks off on May 6,  has won the backing of Pete Barber, Ankerside Shopping Centre Manager.

“I am delighted to welcome Sally and Shaun to Ankerside Shopping Centre – Hair Razors will be a great addition to the range of stores we have here,” he said.

“Their fund-raising is admirable, and this is a cause that needs to be brought to the attention of every man, no matter their age. A little bit of knowledge could help somebody to spot early symptoms and ensure that instead of becoming one of the 10,000 deaths that occur each year, instead they have many more years to enjoy with their family and friends.”

Sally and Shaun previously ran their shop in Tamworth’s Market Street, but decided to move into larger premises in Ankerside when a unit became available, explained Sally, who has been a hairdresser for more than 24 years.

“This unit is bigger, plus we felt that it was in a more convenient location for our customers who often pop in while shopping in the town – it’s handy for parking as well.

“I started off doing both men and women’s hair dressing but after qualifying decided to concentrate on men’s, because I prefer them as customers. They don’t expect to walk out looking like Jennifer Ellison!” joked mum-of-two Sally, 39,

“We use traditional barbering methods, but both Shaun and I keep up with current trends. I think there is a big move back by men to using barbers, rather than unisex hair-dressing salons, because there is a  real difference in how the hair is cut. Programmes like Mad Men mean more men now want a traditional hair cut, but using modern products.

“Shaun has been working as a hairdresser for 10 years  and then we started working together about two years years ago – we get on very well together.”

Mark Bishop, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re thrilled that Sally Tunnicliffe and Shaun Williams from Hair Razors barbershop have decided to pledge 10% of every cut to help raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. It is with support like this that we can help provide dedicated support and information to men and their families affected by prostate cancer and fund research to help fight the disease.”

“With over 3,700 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the West Midlands and one man dying every hour in the UK, it is our aim to help more men survive the disease and enjoy a better quality of life.

“A huge thank you to Hair Razors barbershop for raising funds and joining the Men United movement.”

Ankerside Shopping  Centre, just off George St in Tamworth, is home to 60 stores, from fashion, health and beauty to services and food and drink, and has more than 700 parking spaces. More details on what’s happening at www.ankerside.co.uk