A family from Weymouth have said they are extremely proud of their young son who has cut off 16 inches of his hair to make a wig for a young person with cancer.
Archie Ritchie, 8, has been growing his hair since October 2022 after his world was turned upside down when his grandad Stuart died from cancer of the spine.
READ MORE: Weymouth boy's haircut challenge in honour of grandad
He became inspired to fundraise in his honour and set himself a goal of raising £700 for the Little Princess Trust, a charity which provides free real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.
Family and friends gathered at Hair Moda in Weymouth on Wednesday, August 7, for his big chop.
He had a total of six ponytails which measured 16 inches and two that measured 10 inches.
Ian Ritchie, his dad, said his son couldn't stop smiling on the special day in memory of his grandad.
He said: "Archie was super excited and positive all day long. We all went out for a cooked breakfast as his granddad would always do at the start of the day.
“The hair dresser Kirstie did an amazing job. Balloons were put up and there were pictures of his grandad on the table.
“It was a really nice atmosphere in the salon with people stopping by to put in a donation. He was beaming from start to finish and we are all absolutely amazed with the outcome."
The fundraising total, with cash from the day added to the Justgiving donations, came to just over £700.
Ian Ritchie said the family hope to raise an additional £100 to get a remembrance item for his grandad at Wessex Football Club - a place which holds special memories for Archie.
He added: "His grandad would be so proud of what he’s done. He was always so proud of his grandkids and supported them through what they’ve done, especially through watching them play at the football club.
“We really appreciate all the support and thank you to everyone who has contributed to Archie’s goal.
"It was a super emotional day and we’re chuffed everyone took the time to donate to a very important charity."
You can still donate to Archie's fundraiser by going to the Justgiving website: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donating-archies-curly-locks
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here