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Uppingham Community College pupil braves the shave for Macmillan in honour of his grandad




A teenager was inspired to take action and help others after his grandad was diagnosed with cancer.

Charlie Ward looks upon his grandfather as "a mate" and was devastated to discover he had oesophagus, lung and bowel cancer.

The 15-year-old decided to have his head shaved to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Charlie Ward
Charlie Ward

He said: "I chose to have my head shaved so people take notice and realise more about why I'm doing this."

Charlie, a pupil at Uppingham Community College, was planning to have his head shaved at school but lockdown means it had to be done at home.

Luckily his mum, Julie Broughton, is a barber so he was in good hands as he had it done on April 30 - his grandad Barry Broughton's 74th birthday.

Charlie's new look
Charlie's new look

Julie said: "As a barber you can imagine my delight at being able to do a cut during lockdown.

"We added a bit of fun and dyed his hair green for Macmillan so his scalp was green after the shave.

"He’s not keen on the new look at all - it's a bit cold on his head after growing his hair from when my dad started his treatment!"

Barry, who lives in Morcott, was diagnosed with cancer in December after feeling unwell for most of last year.

He finished weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy just before the start of lockdown and is due to return to hospital for a scan this month.

Julie said: "As we are stuck in lockdown it has been hard for him.

"Before all of this we had been there everyday, but now we can only see him through a window.

"Dad is smiling through it all though."

Charlie has raised £1,070 from his online page and other donations. It is enough money to cover three heating grants for people living with a cancer diagnosis.

He said: "I'd like to say thank you so much to everyone for donating to Macmillan."

Proud mum Julie added: "Charlie is a very caring young man who loves his family.

"We are all very proud of what he has accomplished at this time of uncertainty."

Donations can still be made online at bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/charlie-ward

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