Former Ely councillor Tom Hunt – now the MP for Ipswich – has raised more than £2,300 by shaving his head for charity.

Ely Standard: MP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNTMP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNT (Image: Archant)

Mr Hunt, who won the seat at the last election and was until recently political adviser to Mayor James Palmer, says his new look “feels more comfortable”.

Like everyone else Mr Hunt was awaiting Government confirmation of when barbers might be able to re-open but unlike most he decided to wait no longer.

Ely Standard: MP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNTMP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNT (Image: Archant)

“My aim was to raise about £2,000 so I’m glad we ended up raising a little bit more than that,” he said.

The cash will go to Age UK Suffolk and he believes that with so many chipping in “it goes to show how many people value the work they carry out”.

Ely Standard: MP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNTMP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNT (Image: Archant)

He said: “As people will see I really went for it with the shaver. I didn’t do it by half measures.

“It feels more comfortable that the long out of control hair I had a few days ago but to be honest I’m not sure about the look and the DIY approach to hair cutting was just a one off, I look forward to be back at the hairdressers in the not too distant future.”

Ely Standard: MP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNTMP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNT (Image: Archant)

Mr Hunt said Age UK Suffolk is one of many local charities playing a pivotal role during the COVID-19 outbreak supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“At a time when the role that local charities have to play has never been more important there are a number of challenges that have made traditional fundraising activities difficult,” he said.

Ely Standard: MP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNTMP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNT (Image: Archant)

“We need charities such as Age UK Suffolk than ever and I would encourage people to supporting them in whatever way they can.”

Jo Reeder, head of fundraising and marketing for Age UK Suffolk, said: “We were delighted and slightly surprised when Mr Hunt’s office got in touch to say that he would like to support us in this great initiative.

Ely Standard: MP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNTMP Tom Hunt, a former Ely councillor and until last year special adviser t Mayor James Palmer, has braved the shave during lockdown to raise over £2,300 for charity. Picture; TOM HUNT (Image: Archant)

“Mr Hunt has supported Age UK Suffolk from the outset of the coronavirus outbreak and is talking to older constituents, raising older people’s concerns in parliament and generally advocating the needs of older people at this difficult time. “This incredible amount raised, will help us to continue our vital work in supporting people on a daily basis with shopping and welfare calls.”

Mr Hunt may be happy with his hair style but remains less so about the PM’s adviser Dominic Cummings who he felt “has made errors of judgement and frankly I do share much of the confusion and anger of many of my constituents”.