SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Alopecia sufferer Lucas, aged six, inspires mass head shave for charity

AN ARMY of volunteers will be a cut above the rest when they take part in a mass charity head shave in Chard next month.

Individuals having their heads shaved for charity is commonplace, but so far more than 30 people have agreed to have the clipper treatment during a day of fundraising at the Phoenix Hotel in Fore Street on Sunday, September 4, 2016.

It is all part of a campaign to raise money for Alopecia UK and improve awareness of the condition which sees people – of all ages – lose their hair for no apparent reason.

PHOTO - TOP: Lucas Jones who will be seven next month.

It has come about because Lucas Jones, who will be seven on September 9, 2016, the son of Phoenix licensees Steve and Sarah Jones, has been living with the condition since the age of three.

“Lucas has dealt with it pretty well,” said proud mum Sarah. “He has had a few children say things to him at school, but he has shrugged it off and his friends have been really good.”

Sarah added: “We’ve got about 30 having their heads shaved and people from various hair salons have offered to come in and do the deed.

“It’s more the merrier really – people wanting to have their heads shaved can just turn up on the day.

“People are also having their beards shaved off and legs waxed to help raise a bit more money.”

It is understood that one of Lucas’ friends will also be having his head shaved in a touching show of unity with his pal.

All that is required is a minimum £5 donation for adults or £2.50 for children.

Awareness of alopecia was raised recently during the Olympics in Rio when cyclist Joanna Rowsell Shan, who has alopecia, won gold with Team GB in the team persuit.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Alopecia sufferer Joanna Rowsell Shan with her Team GB cyclist gold medal winning pals.

Other well-known people with alopecia are TV personality Gail Porter, actress Neve Campbell, and Little Britain actor and comedian Matt Lucas.

The fun at the Phoenix Hotel in Chard takes place between 2pm and 6pm and there will be a raffle at 5pm.

Children will be able to have a go on a bouncy castle, plus throw wet sponges at willing volunteers wanting to go into the stocks.

Sarah said: “It should be a really great day and everyone is invited to come along.”

PHOTO - ABOVE: Little Britain star Matt Lucas has had alopecia since childhood.

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