Teen docks his locks to boost TVAP

A 13-year-old boy has raised more than £600 for charity after donating hair he had spent more than two years growing, writes Madeleine Evans.

Caius Butt decided to donate his long locks to the Little Princess Trust Charity and fundraise for donations.

The money will be split between the trust and Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP), a charity which supports Caius’ autistic brother.

Initially Caius grew out his hair because he liked how it looked, but when the time came to get it cut, he decided to donate it.

Luckily, he still likes the new look, and said: “My head felt a lot lighter once it got cut.

“I prefer it like this – I liked having long hair because it looked cool, but it was a lot of maintenance.”

Matt Gozalvez, of Kings Barbers in King Street in Maidenhead, gave the haircut for free, chopping off three thick plaits of hair.

Caius’ family and friends were supportive of the chop. He said: “Everyone likes the new haircut, especially my Nan, who’s wanted me to have it cut for ages.

“My parents helped a lot. They gave me the idea and supported me getting a haircut, and they were also some of my biggest supporters while I was growing it.”

He also thanked everyone who donated on his Givewheel fundraising page, who together raised an impressive £645, to be split equally between the charities.

The Little Princess Trust provides free real hair wigs to children and young people who’ve lost their own through cancer and other conditions, and funds childhood cancer research.

TVAP is a charity offering adventurous, therapeutic, and educational play activities for children and adults with disabilities and providing support for their families and carers.

Speaking about TVAP, Caius said: “It’s a really cool place, it’s really fun, and they help a lot of people.”

To donate, visit: www.givewheel.com/ fundraising/2427/caiusgets-a-haircut/