FOUR friends whose pal is believed to have died by suicide have raised just under £3,000 for his family by braving the shave.

When 25-year-old Luke Meredith died in December, his friends did not know how to process his sudden death.

St Helens Star:

Luke

Luke, who working in O2 in Rainford, was known for having a closely cropped haircut.

So in his memory, and in a bid to raise funds for his family to pay for his funeral, friends Tom Ellis, Jack Millin, Anton Roberts and Stephen Harrison all went and shaved their heads to mirror Luke's hairstyle.

They did this just after Christmas at The Men's Room in Rainford.

St Helens Star:

Tom during his head shave

Tom Ellis, 24, from Rainford, said: "When Luke died we all just went into shock.

"I've known Luke since we were 12 and we worked together at O2 as well.

"It's hard because we know that if he had come to any of us and talked then maybe he would still be here.

"We wanted to raise awareness of suicide and try to encourage people to talk if they can to a loved one or professional.

St Helens Star:

"It's one of the worst feelings in the world when you realise someone has gone in the way Luke did.

"If we can help his family while also encouraging others to speak out, then I think that's what it's all about."