A Lichfield teenager has had his head shaved to help raise money to build a children’s home for 50 orphaned children in Kenya.
Ben Cross, 14, was given a new style by his hairdressing aunt Clare Marsden at a fundraising garden party at his Boley Park home.
The King Edward VI School student was joined in his fundraising efforts by 16-year-old friend Jamie Hancock who had his locks cut by a sheep shearer.
“When mum first suggested the idea, I was really nervous, because I really love my long hair,” said Ben. “But I got used to it and as I have managed to get sponsors it seemed like a really good way to raise money.”
Ben managed to raise over £350 and with the help of his friend he hopes to collect over £600 from the two headshaves.
Other events, including a family concert given by the local Kaleidoscope Ladies Choir and other local children will be held at King Edward VI School will supplement the remaining funds he needs to raise.
“I attracted a few strange looks when I went back to school,” Ben said. “I had to explain my extreme haircut a few times to the staff, but overall everyone has been really supportive and I’d like to thank all my friends and family.”
Ben is one of a group of Staffordshire Scouts who are planning to visit Kikambala in Kenya next Easter to begin a three-year project to build a children’s home for up to 50 orphaned children.
The group has been receiving training in bricklaying, basic plumbing and carpentry through Tamworth College to enable them to develop skills that will be used on the build.
In order to undertake the trip, each member of the team has to raise the airfare and accommodation costs in addition to contributing to the cost of the building materials bought in Kenya.
Details of the project, including the ground plans for the orphanage, can be found at www.thekenyaproject.org.uk where anyone wanting to contribute funds in support can find a link to make online donations.
