Auckland, Sept 9 NZPA - Cancer sufferer Marie Lagaluga allowed her half-metre-long locks to be cut off today because she wants children to have the same access to healthcare she has.

Ms Lagaluga and nine of her colleagues at an Auckland supermarket had their heads shaved as part of the Fresh Future Appeal for children's hospitals.

Three years ago, she was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumour, which affects about seven people in every million.

Because of the rarity of that type of cancer, she originally despaired about getting treatment in New Zealand.

However, she found it was available in the form of tablets she would have to take for the rest of her life.

"I'm very lucky to have my treatment subsidised by the government," she said.

"That's why I want to support this cause, because it's for children's hospitals around the country."

Although she has side effects, including tiredness, headaches and cramps, she is well enough to work full-time as delicatessen assistant manager at the Foodtown supermarket in Kelston.

Ms Lagaluga, 47, raised $1000 by having her head shaved, while her colleagues took the store's total to $3000.

She cried as her hair was shorn as she had worn it long since the birth of her son nine years ago.

But she was happy with the result, saying: "I think I might keep this look."

The appeal, which involves staff at Progressive Enterprises supermarkets and associated stores, and district health boards, has raised more than $2 million since it began two years ago.

Among hospitals to have benefited are those in the Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Auckland, Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Christchurch, Greymouth, Dunedin and Invercargill.

Appeal committee chairwoman Ruth Krippner said the items hospitals required went "on and on".

"Hospitals tell us they need things like high-tech lasers, ultrasound machines, chair beds, clothes dryers, warming systems, baby hammocks and respiratory monitors for newborns," she said.

"We're doing our best to tick off as many things as we can from these wish lists."

This year's appeal runs until September 27 and other activities planned include balls, movie nights and trolley races.