Wigan schoolboy's hairy mission is a fund-raising success

Eleven-year-old Ryan Fletcher decided he wanted to do something for a good cause and suggested going under the clippers. After speaking to his parents about the idea and considering it for several days, he was sure he wanted to go ahead.

His mum Janine, from Aspull, said: “He was adamant he wanted to do it.”

The Marus Bridge Primary School pupil aimed to raise £300 for Cancer Research UK, as his uncle currently has prostate cancer and his grandfather and mum’s cousin both died from the disease.

Janine works as a paramedic and cares for patients with cancer, bringing the family even closer to those supported by the charity.

She set up an online fund-raising page for Ryan and his £300 target was soon smashed.

He had reached £695 by the time he went under the clippers, with his brother Declan, 15, and mum shaving off his hair.

Janine said: “It was brilliant, it went really well. We went live on Facebook and Ryan said what he was doing and why and how much he had raised.

“His brother did the first bit – it was his birthday the day after – and I carried on.

“We explained how one in three people get cancer and we need to raise as much money as possible. We got lots of brilliant feedback.”

Ryan is now adjusting to his new look and collecting any remaining donations to boost funds for Cancer Research UK.

His proud mum said: “It was his idea, he approached me about it and I was made up. He’s one of those people who always thinks of somebody else before themselves.”

Donations to Ryan’s appeal for Cancer Research UK can still be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Janine-Fletcher5

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