Teenager braves the shave in memory of family friend

Alfie Whitticase from Bloxwich took on the challenge of having his hair shaved off to raise funds for Cancer Research and MacMillan Cancer Support following the death of Janie Cross, who lost her battle with cancer in December.

The 15-year-old, who goes to school at Willenhall E-ACT Academy, completed the head shave in front of 80 family and friends at the Life Christian Centre in Bloxwich.

His mother Leanne said Alfie had messaged her from school and announced he wanted to do the head shave.

She said: "He texted me from school and said he wanted to do it and said that while it was a bit late after Janie's death, he wanted to do it for her.

"After he got home and we discussed it, my sister got hold of a Cancer Research pack and we got started, because he's one of those kids who gets an idea and has to do it there and then."

The sponsorship drive by Alfie and his family has, to date, raised more than £670, which will be split equally between the two charities.

Mrs Whitticase said she felt so proud of her son for taking on a challenge such as getting his head shaved, which was done by his cousin Nathan.

She also said it could prove to be a positive image for the Beechdale estate that the family lived on.

She said: "It's amazing for a 15-year-old boy to do this, particularly from the estate we live on, which seems to have nothing but bad press.

"I couldn't be more proud of him for doing something like this and I really hope it can inspire other children his age to do similar challenges.

"He got a lot of good support from the church and the people there as well, so that's all positive for him."