A FOUR-YEAR-OLD Worcester boy who had never previously had a haircut has raised more than £1,000 for Help for Heroes by having his flowing locks cut off.
And the Armed Forces charity is not the only one to benefit from the altruism of young Oliver Robinson, who had his mane chopped off with a complimentary cut at Inspiration Hair and Beauty in College Street.
The Herefordshire-based Little Princess Trust, which provides real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer, will receive his hair, while Help for Heroes receives the money Oliver raises through his Just Giving page.
Oliver was inspired by his Uncle Skip, an Army Major, who died two years ago.
Proud dad Shaun said: “Recently he started mentioning he wanted to get his hair cut, for the first time. We’d always said he could tell us when he wants it cut.
“We suggested to him it would be nice to do something for charity and explained his hair would be of great use to the Little Princess Trust. He was very keen to do that and then we wanted to do something additional for a charity by raising some money.
“Because his uncle, sadly, passed away we thought it would be only right to raise money for Help for Heroes, as it does such a great job supporting veterans. And
Oliver was very excited and right behind raising money for Uncle Skip.”
Seeing their son with short hair was something of a surprise for Shaun and mum Caroline.
“We’ve got used to his hair being long, that’s Oliver. When it was cut off it was a bit of a shock. Both his mum and I took part in the cutting of his hair, and, even though it was emotional seeing it go, we were so proud of him and overwhelmed by the fact he wasn’t fazed one bit. He was living in the moment, really enjoying it.
“He loves his new hairstyle and keeps running his hands through it.
“He was looking forward to going to school for the first time with his new hair and was going to pretend to his classmates and teachers he was a new kid. And a lot of his friends didn’t recognise him on his first day back!.
Help for Heroes’ area fund-raising manager, Dean Williams, said: “Oliver’s our own little hero! What a kind gesture from the young man.
“How heartening it is to see a youngster thinking of those less fortunate than themselves. I just hope his head isn’t getting too cold now.”
Help for Heroes aids those in the armed forces and their families to recover and get on with their lives and has already supported more than 26,500 people.
Visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk for more.
