A NINE-year-old Bradford on Avon boy has so far raised more than £1,127 by having his head shaved for charity.

William McKay was determined to help in any way he could after being moved by an emotional video appeal shown during the 2017 X Factor final last December.

He decided to have his head shaved after being moved by a video about a young boy called Joshua Maskew, who 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, a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

Rubbing his hands over his new haircut, William, of Palairet Close, said: “It feels new. I’m glad I’ve had it cut because I was getting so hot and I wanted to raise funds for the charity after seeing the appeal.”

His hair was shaved off by Mike Pillinger, of The Barber Lounge in Bradford on Avon, using electric clippers, and was watched by William’s close family and friends.

They included mum Tanya Pettitt, step-mum Rachel Stacey-McKay, dad Gus McKay, step-brothers William Stacey, nine, Zach Stacey, 15, and step-sister Mara Stacey, 12.

School friends Ewan, Cameron and Angus Glossop and their mum Jo Glossop were also on hand to lend their support.

William, who goes to Christ Church Primary School in Bradford on Avon, said: “The video made me very sad. I just wanted to make a difference.”

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.”

Mr Pillinger, who cuts the hair of some of the Bath Rugby Club players, kindly agreed to support him by shaving his head last Thursday.

Afterwards, William went for a celebratory slap-up meal donated by the Castle Inn at Bradford on Avon, where staff had heard about his fundraising efforts.

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