'Shaving Hair for Hazza' - twelve Charvil boys show support for cancer-stricken friend

Twelve pupils from Charvil Piggott Primary School will be shaving their heads on Saturday in a show of solidarity for classmate and friend, Harry Mills, who has bone cancer.

The nine-year-old football fan only very recently found out that he has a rare form of aggressive sarcoma in his femur and that 18 rounds of chemotherapy are needed to shrink the tumour before

surgery.

When Harry’s friends heard that the cancer can be treated they were relieved but concerned for Harry who will lose his hair.

Together they decided to brave the shave as a group and what started out as a few volunteers soon became six, then eight, then 10 and now 12 friends will take part.

To date, more than £17,000 has been raised for Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity that supports families when a young person is diagnosed.

Dad Andy Mills said that the family are touched by the community effort in Charvil to help Harry on his cancer recovery journey.

“It’s really good that all of his friends want to shave their heads in solidarity.

“They are all his core schoolmates from his class who all live near each other as well.

“It’s a very close-knit class really, about 30 in the class, so with 12 saying they want to shave their heads it just goes to show how close they all are.

“I spoke to the head and were very supportive and they will mention it in assembly. There’s lots of support there for Harry.”

One of the young lads taking part in ‘Shaving Hair for Hazza’ has quite long hair yet is giving up his long locks to support his friend.

The gesture of solidarity took Harry back a bit.

“At first Harry was almost a little bit worried about it and I said ‘they want you to feel comfortable’ and now he is pleased they are doing it at the same time,” Andy said.

“Harry’s hair will fall out naturally of course but he is going to do it at the same time so he thinks it’s pretty cool.

“He’s chuffed they all want to do it and raise money for charity.

“It’s amazing how much they’ve raised so far.”

Andy said the family chose Young Lives vs Cancer for the support that the charity gives families like theirs.

He said: “Most people donate to charities that find cures but no one really thinks about the impact on the families that have to go through it and deal with it whether that’s emotionally or financially.

“We’re quite lucky enough not to need the financial support but certainly the emotional support is there if we want it.

“I spoke to someone today who just asked how I was and how I felt and it’s just nice to have that outlet as a parent.”

The charity offers many different support services to parents, including complimentary stays at a family house near to John Radcliffe Hospital, where Harry is currently being treated.

Mrs Waite, headteacher at Charvil Piggott Primary School, said of Harry and his friends:

"We are so very proud of Harry and the bravery he has shown during this difficult time.

"In support of their friend, some of his closest friends have chosen to shave their hair. This is wonderful example of solidarity for Harry and it has been a joy to see true friendship in action."

To donate: tinyurl.com/53fet66f

To find out more about the charity visit: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk