FUNDRAISER Adam Dixon had a very close shave when he decided to raise cash for a former school friend.

The 12-year-old schoolboy raised more than £600 with a sponsored head shave in aid of the Joshua Scarlett-Abbott ECMO ambulance appeal.

Adam, who is now at Norton College, went to Langton Primary School with Joshua, who died of cancer in October aged seven.

Joshua's parents, Fiona and Jonathan, set up an appeal to raise £75,000 to buy a paediatric ambulance, and Adam said he was determined to help.

"I really miss Josh, so I decided to get all my hair chopped off to raise as much money as I could to help buy a special ambulance, so that everyone will always remember him and to help other children who need it," he said.

Adam, of Lagton, prepared for the head shave by growing his hair for three months - and putting up with teasing from his mates at school.

"They've called me all sorts of names, but I just tell them I'm doing it to raise money for my friend who I haven't got anymore," said Adam.

Joshua's mum, Fiona, said: "I was absolutely thrilled when Adam suggested that he would like to help us attain Joshua's dream of providing a specialist children's ambulance.

"He has shown great initiative and we would like to thank him wholeheartedly."

Anyone who would like to add to his sponsorship money or make a donation to the Joshua Scarlett- Abbott ECMO appeal can contact Jonathan Abbott on 0870 90 77 101.

Updated: 11:15 Tuesday, April 08, 2003