A NINE-year-old Bradford on Avon boy is to have his head shaved for charity in July after being moved by an appeal shown during last year’s X Factor final.

William McKay, of 49 Palairet Close, was so moved by a video shown during the final in December that he decided to raise funds for The Shooting Star Chase Hospice.

During the X Factor final, they showed a video about a young boy called Joshua Maskew, who sadly was suffering with cancer. Tragically, Josh died within ten weeks of diagnosis at the age of 16.

During Joshua’s illness he was cared for by The Shooting Star Chase Hospice. They look after and care for babies, children and young adults with life-limiting conditions.

Although he was only eight at the time, William was so moved by the appeal he decided he wanted to make a difference. He has decided he is going to have his head shaved after school breaks up for the summer to raise money.

William’s local barber, Mike Pillinger at The Barber Longue in Bradford on Avon, has kindly agreed to support him by shaving his head on Thursday, July 19.

The Christ Church Primary School pupil said: “The video made me very sad and I decided that I wanted to raise some money for The Shooting Stars Chase Hospice, where Josh was so well cared for.

“I just wanted to make a difference. Please donate, however small, so that The Shooting Star can continue their amazing work.”

William set out to raise £500 for the charity but has already passed through the £380 mark after just one week of fundraising on his justgiving page.

Dad Gus McKay said: “I’m incredibly proud of William. When he saw the video he was only eight, but he decided there and then that he wanted to help.”

To support William’s fundraising appeal, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/williammckay2009

to donate.

The link to the original charity video is https://youtu.be/EFiQk6BZCKE