Great lengths Determined Jack, nine, hits hair goal to support cancer sufferers
robin.jenkins@reachplc.com
ANINE-YEAR-OLD boy ignored being told he looked like a girl and grew his hair long so he could have it cut off to help others less fortunate than himself.
Jack Williamson, of Cleeve Hill, near Cheltenham, began growing his blonde hair before lockdown.
In fact, he had been growing it for 18 months. He wanted to grow enough so he could have it cut and sent off to a charity that makes wigs for young people who have lost their hair because of cancer.
His inspiration for doing so was the death of his mother’s friend from the disease.
Cheryl Leong died on the day Jack and his family left England to fly to Australia, where she lived.
They had planned to visit the 59-year-old in New South Wales as part of their trip.
Jack’s mother, Wendy Williams, said it was tragic that her friend had lost her life at such a relatively young age.
But she said it got her son thinking about cancer and asking questions about it – and then he decided he wanted to do something to help those who have it.
He began to grow his hair long so he could then donate it to The Little Princess Trust.
There were some awkward times for him when he was growing it.
Although his friends were supportive, some other children teased him about looking like a girl when he was out and about.
He also faced issues with his hair getting in the way when he was doing sport - he had to tie it up when running and dry it after swimming.
It constantly got in his eyes and took a long time to brush the knots out every day, but despite the challenges, he was determined to reach the required length and achieve his charitable goal.
He said: “When we visited friends of my mum in Australia, what made me sad was that we were told how upset her friend had been losing her hair, so I thought I could help by donating mine.”
Wendy is proud of her son for his effort.
She said: “We have known several family members and others who have suffered from cancer.
“Jack watched his friends get trendy new haircuts while he grew his, but he was determined, and these things did not put him off his goal.
“Way before it was cut, Jack decided what hairstyle he wanted and he now spends more time in front of the mirror waxing and drying it than he did brushing his long locks!”
She added: “It’s a good message for younger people – to maybe ask more questions about cancer and understand the illness more.”
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Jack watched his friends get trendy new haircuts while he grew his, but he was determined
Mum Wendy Williams