Wrexham pupils in head shave for Macmillan Cancer Support

Henry Jones, a Year 9 student at Ysgol Bryn Alyn in Gwersyllt, was inspired to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support, following his mum's cancer treatment.

In the space of about three weeks, the 13-year-old had collected donations from local business for a raffle and organised a head shave at the school.

Before their head shave, Patrick Lyszczarz and Henry Jones.

And after reaching out to his favourite player, he was supported on the day by Reds defender, Aaron Hayden.

Henry initially approached Health and Wellbeing Faculty member Bethan Evans-Lea about the event, which the school had previously held pre-pandemic.

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As a school that prides itself on its role in the community, and with support of headteacher Adele Slinn and her senior leadership team, the event was underway.

Some of the boys at Ysgol Bryn Alyn before their chaity head shave.

Mrs Evans-Lea said: "As a local person myself, it gives me great pleasure to be surrounded by staff who truly understand our young people and their values."

Henry said he been "overwhelmed" by the response of those at the school.

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Braving the shaving alongside Henry and his friends, was his dad Neil, who added he was "extremely proud" of the work his son had put in to the event.

Hairdressers Kelly Castell, Fiona Cupit, Deena Wilson, Jess Mannion and Hayley Owens.

Henry's mum Sarah, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the Wrexham Maelor's Shooting Star Unit, agreed.

She said: "This was how Henry wanted to be involved, he loves organising things, he's arranged it all.

"I'd like to give a shout out to the Shooting Star Unit too, I can't speak highly enough of them. It's all been so seamless."

The students braving the shave, with Henry Jones and dad Neil, Aaron Hayden, deputy headteacher Johanna Ebrey and faculty member Bethan Evans-Lea.

Henry's brother Louis, 17, a former head boy at Ysgol Bryn Alyn, has also been playing his part, and Sarah added: "I'm just incredibly proud of both the boys through this."

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On the day itself, five hairdressers, four of which were former Ysgol Bryn Alyn pupils, gave up their time to make sure the shave went smoothly. They were Kelly Castell, Fiona Cupit and Deena Wilson, from Hair Lounge in Rossett, Jess Mannion from Hair By Jess Mannion and Hayley Owen from Hair By Hayley Owens.

Aaron Hayden presents Henry Jones with a signed Wrexham AFC shirt.

Surprising everyone on the day, and presenting him with a signed shirt and tickets for Saturday's match, was Henry's favourite Wrexham AFC player, Aaron Hayden, who said: "I got wind of this through Ollie Palmer, who had spoken with Henry's mum.

"He was already on my radar after he caught my lucky hat during the champions parade. I was always going to be here, it's for such a good cause."

Freshly shaven Patrick Lyszczarz and Noah France.

On behalf of the school, deputy headteacher Johanna Ebrey thanked the 22 boys who took part, Mrs Evans-Lea for her support and Aaron Hayden for his time

With donations and raffle tickets, supported by businesses including Costa Plas Coch, Pizza Cake, CiCi and Little Bluebell Bakery, Henry was well on his way to his target of raising £2,000, having already raised more than £1,700, with more money still to come in.