Ipswich man to cut hair for cancer charity fundraiser

Aston French, 37, from Ipswich, has decided to part with his long hair of more than 20 years in a fundraising effort for three youth cancer charities.

Aston French is raising thousands in cutting off his 20-year hair (Image: Aston French)

He began growing his hair at the age of 16.

Mr French said: "I’m not looking forward to not having my hair. I’ll miss some of it and having my head more exposed, I’ll try and grow it out again."

The gesture took on special meaning after his 21-year-old cousin, Claire, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia just three months after her father, Richie, was given a terminal cancer diagnosis.

During a recent family gathering, Mr French’s uncle joked about Aston shaving his head, and the idea soon became a heartfelt plan to raise money for the organisations supporting his cousin and her family.

He is raising money for cancer charities supporting both his cousin and uncle (Image: Aston French)

Mr French said: "It’s bittersweet to look back on that gathering now because Claire had been diagnosed the day before but we didn't know then about her secret battle.

"My cousin has found support in both the money but also the messages as well. We’re lucky we’re an emotionally available family so we’ve found it comforting.

"There’s been something comforting about seeing strangers help and show their support."

He hopes the fundraiser will not only contribute financially but also encourage others to offer support in whatever way they can.

His cousin Claire was diagnose with leukaemia, being the cause behind Aston's fundraiser. (Image: Aston French)

Mr French said: "Charitable donations are great and are welcome but some people aren’t able to give financially and something as simple as being there for someone in need is equally as valuable to help out and give back to people who need it.

"Don’t get fixated on the number and focus on the people. Humanity is at its very best when we’re helping each other out."

Mr French is due to have his hair cut on September 11. To date, the campaign has raised more than £6,000.