A MAN has ‘braved the shave’ this weekend — having let his hair grow since October 2015 when his girlfriend was diagnosed with two types of leukaemia, writes Amy Dennis.

Lucy Griffiths, 24, who lives in Launceston, received the shocking news on October 30 of that year, which is when her boyfriend, Matthew Hairs, decided to let his hair grow.

The shave this weekend at Archers Arms, Lewannick, means Matthew’s hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust to be made into a wig, and funds raised will also go to Macmillan Cancer Support’s ‘Brave the Shave’.

Lucy hoped Matthew would reach the £1,000 fundraising mark — meaning that he would not only brave the shave, but get the BIC razor treatment!

Lucy said: “I was diagnosed on October 30 2015 with two types of leukaemia. He’s been growing his hair ever since. I’m at the end of it now — I had a stem cell transplant and I’m coming to the other side now.

“We weren’t expecting it at all. To find out and the next day start treatment — it was horrific really, a complete shock. Macmillan have just been so good with us, helpful with different bits and pieces.”

As well as Macmillan Cancer Support, Matthew’s head shave will also benefit another worthy cause, as Lucy explained: “He’s been wanting to donate his hair to the Little Princess Trust to be made into wigs for people who need them. I think it costs £380 to make a wig. If we can we will donate at least half to them as well to put towards the making of it.”

Matthew described the past couple of years as ‘difficult’, but like Lucy praised Macmillan for its support, adding: “It’s nice to be able to give something back.”

On the inspiration for the head shave, Matthew said when they found out Lucy’s diagnosis, his routine was ‘work, hospital, sleep’.

He added: “I didn’t have time to do anything, to do things like a haircut. I thought I will leave it — it’s a good excuse to let it grow!”

However, speaking to the Post last week, Matthew said his hair is the longest it’s ever been, and he was looking forward to Saturday’s shave!

As of Saturday, Matthew had raised £1387.57, with donations still to come in and a pot for monies still at the pub.