A KINDHEARTED Wirral schoolboy has been recognised by his headteacher after "Braving the Shave" in the fight against cancer.

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

Wirral Globe:
Six-year-old Zach Martin takes a look at his new hair style with mum Alison and friends George and Erin.

They have so far raised £1,000 between them.

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 completed 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 braved the shave on August 30 while camping with friends. Alison’s hair was also 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.”

Although nervous ahead of the shave, the Martin family said it was a “small price to pay to support such a worthy cause”.

Alison added: “We are thrilled that our current collective total is £1,000 with money still being donated.

“Since completing the shave we have had great support from family and friends,” said Alison.

“Zach went back to school and was asked to stand up in the main assembly to explain to the school why he had shaved his head and as recognition for his bravery and charitable service, he was given the Headteachers Award.

“When we go out as a family, we have had some interesting looks however it has all been worth it as we believe this is a great cause to support.”