When Lacey Dyason decided to take part in the Brave the Shave challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support, she hoped to raise £500.
At the time of publication, the eight-year-old pupil of Ripon Cathedral Church of England Primary School had raised more than £1,900 and counting.
As well as joining in the nationwide event to bring in funds for Macmillan, Lacey also supported the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs to children with cancer.
Saks Hair Salon in High Skellgate, which works with the trust, was the setting for Lacey’s hair cut and shave, watched by her mother and father Louise and Barry, with support from grandparents Doreen and Stewart Ellis.
Hairstylist Samantha Waggitt prepares to cut Lacey’s long her
The double gesture, from one of the youngest people in the UK to take part in Brave the Shave won the hearts of many in the city.
Steven Holmes, headteacher of Lacey’s school, wrote in the school’s newsletter:
“We are so impressed with her loving attitude and the way that Lacey is aspiring to be the best person she can be.”
Read more:
- Ripon schoolgirl’s kind-hearted donation
- Newby Hall receives welcome financial support
- MP raises questions over Ripon housing scheme healthcare provision
On Lacey’s Macmillan fundraising page, the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, said:
“Well done you brave young lady, we are very proud of you.”
Similar comments have flooded in from 69 donors, whose donations ranging from £5 to £100 mean Lacey has raised almost four times her original target.
With her fundraising page, Lacey’s Brave the Shave, still open, it looks certain that she will exceed £2,000.
So what does Lacey think of her new look?
She told the Stray Ferret:
“I was a bit shocked when I looked in the mirror, but I think it’s ok.”
Grandmother Doreen, who was among those who attempted to dissuade Lacey from having her head shaved, pointed out:
“Along with Barry and Louise, I tried to talk her out of it, but she was determined. We are so proud of her.”
Barry, added:
“We were absolutely amazed by the generosity of all the donors and would like to say a big thank you to everybody who has supported her.”
Lacey doesn’t have to worry about feeling the colder autumn weather.
Louise, said:
“It was her birthday earlier this month and among her presents, she received seven woolly hats – one for every day of the week!”
