Seven-year-old boy chops hair for Rainbows

A seven-year-old boy has had his long hair chopped to raise money for Rainbows in memory of a friend.

At the age of five, and during the first Covid lockdown, Rupert Pask decided to grow his short hair. Rupert’s plan was to eventually be sponsored to cut his locks donating the proceeds our charity and his hair to Little Princess Trust – which makes wigs for sick children.

So last month, Rupert went to Alexander and Gregg Hair Co, in Loughborough, and his tresses were cut. To date, he has raised £1,056 for us, which will go towards providing our vital care to hundreds of children and young people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.

His parents, Andy and Faizia, were incredibly proud of their son. “Rupert has been very determined all the way throughout. He was awarded a kindness certificate from school,” said Andy.

“At the start, there was some name calling and there were times he was upset but he grew resilience that ‘this is me’ and it was so inspiring to see; it makes us even prouder of him.

“Rupert chose Rainbows because we know the charity well and we really appreciate the work that Rainbows does. Also, one of our friends, Lauren was cared for at the hospice, Sadly she died last year from cancer, aged 13, so Rupert wanted to do it for Lauren.”

Rupert was delighted to have raised over £1,000.

Gary Farnfield, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, added: “For a five-year-old to come up with this idea is a truly wonderful thing and we appreciate, so much, what Rupert has done for Rainbows. Without our fundraisers, like Rupert, we wouldn’t be able to provide the vital services for children like Lauren and her family. So a big thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”