Bedford teenager is shaving his hair to raise money for Sunflower House

The family are hoping to raise £1,000 for Sunflower House
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A teenager from Bedford is shaving off his hair to raise money for a specialist children's residential home, that helps his brother, who has a life limiting condition.

Alex Woodhall is hoping to raise £1,000 for Sunflower House when he has his hair cut to thank them for the care they give his brother, Zakk.

Sunflower House provides shared care and short stays for children with disabilities, sensory impairments and learning disabilities.

Alex is shaving his hair to raise money for Sunflower HouseAlex is shaving his hair to raise money for Sunflower House
Alex is shaving his hair to raise money for Sunflower House

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the hair cut has been delayed - which means Alex's hair will be even longer when he has it cut off.

Zakk, has neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes tumours along the nerves on the inside and outside of the body, some of which are cancerous .

The eight-year-old has a cancerous tumour in his eye which cannot be cured, it has to be controlled with chemotherapy on and off throughout his life.

Alex's mum Rebecca, who has four children, said: "He has been growing his hair to cut it off to raise money for Sunflower House.

ZakkZakk
Zakk

"It has been postponed at the minute but he will keep growing it until he is able to have it cut off.

"We are hoping to raise £1,000 but it has been hard raising awareness of what we are doing.

"It's been tough for Zakk, he has been through so much already, he also has three brain tumours and unfortunately has had to go through two years of chemotherapy which made him seriously poorly.

"But he is always so positive and such a people's person. We are all self isolating because Zakk has no immune system so he is at risk.

"Unfortunately Zakk's condition throughout his life will only get worse. Zakk is a full time job and it mentally challenges us everyday because of the unknown in Zakk's life.

"He currently goes to to a respite called Sunflower House which gives us a much needed rest from the enormous care needs that Zakk has.

"Alex is very brave and I am enormously proud of him for doing this for such a lovely place. Alex himself has Asperger syndrome, ADHD and autism so this is a big thing for him.

"Sunflower house gives Zakk the opportunity to meet new people and to do many great things.

"They are amazing and have helped us as a family so much, they go on days out,and get to go to how many fantastic places that Zakk wouldn't necessarily have the opportunity to do without sunflower house.

"The people who work there are wonderful they provide care not only for Zakk but for many disabled children and their families.

"They provide help for many families who otherwise wouldn't have any help at all."

To make a donation and help Alex raise £1,000 for Sunflower House, click here.

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