COLEFORD man William Hale swapped his thick locks of hair for a completely bare head on Saturday, at an event to raise money for children and young people battling cancer.

The highlight of the event, which included a disco and raffle at Forest Hills Golf Club in Coleford, was William’s shave as part of CLIC Sargent’s Big Buzz campaign. Hairdresser Stephanie Mills from Fusion Salon in Berry Hill was in charge of proceedings and William has so far raised £2,364 for the charity.

William said: “I’d been growing my hair for 14 months in preparation for becoming a ‘life-shaver’. I’m doing it in honour of my auntie Grace Russell, who has fought a dignified battle with breast cancer and is about to have reconstructive surgery.

“I was excited about shaving off my massive hair and we’ve had some wild and wacky hair moments over the last 14 months. But children and young people being treated for cancer don’t have a choice about losing their hair. I know the money is going to a fantastic cause in CLIC Sargent and that is what has inspired me to go through with it.”

Caroline Marshall, fundraising manager for the charity, added: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Grace and William for organising such a wonderful event and for joining the ‘life-shaver’ team.

“Every day 11 children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer. Many will lose their hair during treatment and the Big Buzz campaign gives you the chance to show support for them by shaving your head and raising money for CLIC Sargent.

“It’s amazing to have such amazing local support for young lives facing cancer.”

You can donate to Grace and William’s fundraising which is on their Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/Williamsbighairshave.