A WHITCHURCH sixth-former is shaving his head to help his five-year old sister to receive specialist cancer treatment in the USA.
Aidan O'Kelly-Williams, 16, is a student at Sir John's Talbot's School in Whitchurch.
His five-year old half-sister Dulcie suffers from stage 4 neuroblastoma and has to endure treatments daily and recently had her fourth lot of chemo.
Dulcie is currently undergoing treatment on the NHS, but when that frontline treatment is complete she will need further support to keep the aggressive disease at bay. This, however, will need to be carried out in the USA, at a cost of £200,000.
Lindsay Williams, Aidan's mum, said: "Dulcie's brother and sister, my children, are 16 and 14 and my son loves her dearly. He's said that he wants to shave his head in support of his little sister.
"He's in sixth form and the school have said it's absolutely fine because it's a good cause."
Lindsay is planning and organising fundraising events to raise additional money for Dulcie to receive her treatment in the US.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money to pay for the trip and treatment, and Lindsay said the events planned for the summer include a raffle.
She has been busy gathering prizes for the big event and has been getting support from friends and business contacts.
"My plan in the summer is to have massive fundraisers for her, " Lindsey said.
"I've got companies donating raffle prizes. I've got them donating vouchers.
"One of my best friends is a colour director for Francesco Group and she's going to sort me out some things as well which I think is going to be substantial."
Many people have become aware about Dulcie and the fundraising and are touched, partly because many have children or grandchildren the same age as Dulcie.
Lindsay said the news about Dulcie and the subsequent fundraising events has brought the community together.
"It's about the awareness of it and everyone pulling together," Lindsay said.
"It has touched a lot of people.
"Many have children the same age, little girls the same age as Dulcie and it's hit home.
"As much as it will be a fundraiser, it is equally about getting everyone together.
"If any companies would like to donate to the cause or raffle prizes, we would be absolutely grateful."
You can donate to https://www.gofundme.com/f/dulciesneuroblastomajourney
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here