An Abbots Langley man who has been growing his hair for seven years is set to have it cut off for charity.

Colin Cheesewright, 27, from Upper Highway is aiming to raise £500 by May 3, 2014 for Macmillan Cancer Support, which had supported his mum throughout her battle with cancer.

Mr Cheesewright, who attended St Michael’s Catholic High School in Garston, said: "As soon as my mum told me that she had cancer for a second time, I decided I was going to do it. I feel it’s a thank you to Macmillan. My mum is so strong." 

He added: "My hair has been long for about seven years and is a significant part of my identity. I am known for how I look. Although I’m not having it completely shaved off, it is a big deal to me by doing it, so I feel both the charity and reason I’m doing it is worthwhile."

Brad Carter, co-owner of JHD Barber Shop in Bushey Mill Lane, Watford, will be doing the haircut for free.

The 27 year-old said: "It’s for a good cause, so why not? Anything to help him out."

Watford Observer:

The cut hair will then be donated to the Little Princess Trust, who provides real-hair wigs to children who have lost their own hair because of receiving cancer treatment.

Mr Cheesewright praised the role of JHB Barber Shop in his bid to raise £500.

He said: "They have been amazingly supportive. They’ve been really helpful with it, they’ve offered to do it in a way that, we can maintain the ponytail, so that can go to the child’s charity that deals wigs for young people who have lost their hair. So it’s a double charity whammy that we’re trying to achieve and they’ve just said, yeah, we’ll do it."

One anonymous donator on Mr Cheesewright’s JustGiving page described him as a: "Hero: a man distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility and fortitude."

Kerry Cunnane, fundraising manager for Hertfordshire at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
"We are delighted to hear about Colin’s charity hair cut and are honoured that he has chosen to use this event to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

"It is our aim to ensure that nobody faces cancer alone but we can’t do this without the support of the amazing people who fundraise for us. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Colin and wish him the best of luck for the hair cut on May 3."

Anyone who wants to donate to the 27-year-old’s JustGiving page can do so at: http://www.justgiving.com/Colin-Cheesewright