A KINDHEARTED Wirral schoolboy is preparing to brave the shave this month in the fight against cancer.

Six-year-old Zach Martin, from Hoylake, will be joined by mum Alison and dad Alex when he says farewell to his hair on August 30 as part of Macmillan Cancer Support’s Brave the Shave fundraiser.

Alison, who works as an occupational therapist at Arrowe Park Hospital, told the Globe Zach - who attends West Kirby Primary School - had jumped at the idea of shaving his head after hearing about the campaign.

The family set a target of £300 between them – which they have already exceeded – and will be completing the challenge in memory of Zach’s Nanny Fudge, who died last year after battling stomach cancer.

“I heard an advert on the local radio station advertising Brave the Shave and spoke to the family about it,” said 37-year-old Alison.

“Zach was listening in to the conversation and after seeing a few videos on the Macmillan website, he decided he wanted to do it to raise money in memory of his Nanny Fudge.

“She was a really colourful, traditional Liverpool lady. As a vibrant character her language was colourful at times and so she was affectionately known her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Nanny Fudge.

“Zach particularly spent a lot of time with her as her youngest grandson and he was particularly affected when she passed away.”

Over the past four years, the Martin family have raised money for both Breast Cancer and the NSPCC.

But this year, Alison and Alex – who works as a business consultant – decided their focus would be on Macmillan.

“Working as an occupational therapist I treat people daily at different stages who are battling cancer,” explained Alison.

“Cancer is a cruel illness that has no preference or prejudices and takes very special people from their family and friends.”

Macmillan Cancer Care provides vital services and support to people with cancer and their families and relies heavily on fundraising.

The family will brave the shave on August 30 while camping with friends. Alison’s hair will be sectioned into plaits and sent to The Princess Trust to be made into wigs for children who have lost their hair to cancer.

Alison said: “I feel very honoured that my hair can be used to help a child feel a bit better about themselves while they are going through a difficult time.”

“We are all nervous about shaving our hair off. We have badges we can wear that will tell people we have shaved it off for charity.

“Our jobs are very much working frontline with the public so it will be challenged at first but obviously as the weeks go on and our hair grows back, it will become easier.

“That said, it is a small price to pay to support such a worthy cause. At least we have a choice about it whereas people being treated for cancer have no choice.”