A dedicated teenager has shaved his head in a sign of solidarity with his childhood friend who is battling cancer.
Louis George, 13, of Chestnut Drive, Pinner, has been best friends with William Low, 14, since they met at Cannon Lane Primary School in Cannonbury Avenue, Pinner, when they were four years old.
William was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour at the age of 5 but following surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy over the course of 18 months, he recovered and has had a healthy eight years.
However in the summer of last year, MRI scans showed that the disease had returned and he has had to undergo more treatment, leading Louis to want to show support for his life-long friend.
Louis, who attends Nower Hill High School in George V Avenue, Pinner, said: “My friend William has lost his hair again and has a very big challenge ahead.
“I kept on thinking, what I could to help?
“I know seeing each other a lot is important but I just wanted to do more, so I have decided to shave my hair off just like his and raise as much money as I can for Great Ormond Street Hospital, who are doing their best to find the best treatment for him.
“It is a horrible thing to happen to anyone, especially your best friend.”
Louis went to Andy’s Barbers Lounge in Eastcote on Tuesday with brother Callum, 16, father Steve and William - a pupil at Haydon School in Wiltshire Lane, Eastcote - to lose his curly locks.
It marked the launch of a fundraising drive to earn £2,500 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and to show his support for his best friend.
The Low family live in Pinner and William's mother Helen Forbes-Low said: “We are deeply touched by Louis's gesture, it's such a wonderful thing to do.
“Support from our friends has carried us through these difficult times.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support and for donating to justgiving.com to support Great Ormond Street Hospital.”
nIf you are moved by William and Louis' story, you can donate to Great Ormond Street Hospital via their charity website www.justgiving.com/Louis-George
