Close shave for friends ... but all in a good cause

Fifteen-year-old Holmfirth boys Ryan Banks (left) and Max Holdsworth have their hair shaved for The Brain Tumour Charity. Right, the pair with hair documentary series Hospital asked if they could follow his story. Viewers followed Ben’s story – from diagnosis through to his four-hour operation and his recovery.

Ben, who is well known in local theatrical circles, has raised about £17,500 for the Brain Tumour Charity since 2013.

So Ryan and Max decided to do their bit by having their heads shaved at Cutting Crew in Holmfirth.

Ryan’s mum, Jo Turner, said: “They have been preparing to do this for ages. Ryan just wanted to do something to put towards the charity which has been so supportive of Ben and his mate Max was right behind him.

“The whole family went after school on the last day of term. It’s only a small salon, but we all packed in. Another friend live streamed it for the rest of the class to see. They have some sponsorship money still to collect once they get back to school, but so far they have collected about £700.”

She said: “Ryan is continually wearing his baseball cap because he is missing his hair! I think he’s planning some further fundraising. We will definitely be doing something.”

Ben’s surgery was successful, but a few complications meant a return to hospital. He had a number of seizures and has had a “VP shunt” – a procedure which allows fluid to be drained from his brain to his stomach.

Jo said: “Ben is back at home after weeks and weeks of being in and out of hospital. He seems to be on the mend and is on the road to recovery. The next step is chemotherapy, but the tumour has completely been removed.”

To donate to Ben’s fund go to https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/benjaminjames-turner Former Honley man Ben Turner (second right) pictured at Charing Cross Hospital with friends after brain surgery filmed for the BBC show Hospital