Head shave friends show Harry he's not alone in his fight against cancer

A nine-year-old boy with bone cancer was strengthened by smiles and support at a charity head shave on Saturday.

Twelve of Harry Mills’ closest friends showed their Charvil Piggott Primary School classmate that he is not alone in his cancer fight as they each lined-up for identical haircuts.

Harry, who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma, has started intensive chemotherapy treatment and was worried about looking different with a potential dramatic loss of hair.

His friends, however, took that worry away with their organised ‘Shaving Hair for Hazza’ event that so far has raised over £25,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer. First to face the hairdresser’s razor was Harry, joined by dad Andy Mills who decided to surprise everyone and brave the shave in a moving show of support for his son.

As volunteer hairdressers Laura Hardie-Gleed and Jodie Phillips started the first clip, Harry’s friends called out his name in unison and applauded his courage.

Watching were proud parents of the 12 friends plus some of Harry’s family who all praised the boys for their efforts. Mum Nicola said what could have been an emotional day was actually very uplifting because of the friendship shown by school friends and members of the community.

“It’s amazing to see all of Harry’s friends and their parents here. Today has been very positive,” she said.

Most of the youngsters had short hair but the young lad with the most to shed was George, who said he was happy to lose his long locks for his friend Harry, someone who is always making him laugh and telling jokes. He said: “I decided to do this because Harry might get afraid when he goes back to school and if he gets scared he can look at us and know that he is not alone.”

Harry said he enjoyed the day and thought what his mates did for him was ‘pretty cool’.

Dad Andy agreed. He said: “We think it was a great success and what the boys have done for Harry is amazing and true friendship.

“Harry wasn’t at school today but the head mentioned the event in assembly and got all the boys up on stage to praise them, which was brilliant.”

After the head shave each of the participants got a gift from Harry’s family: a cap which says ‘Crew’ on it.

To find out more about the charity visit: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk and to donate see To donate: tinyurl.com/53fet66f