Cheyanne Martin to shave hair in aid of Make a Wish charity

Chey, of Loughton, who attends Debden Park School, will go through the hair shave in June because she says it “shows solidarity’ with those youngsters who lose their hair due to medical treatment for cancer.

The documentary showed the work of the charity Make A Wish, which helps ill children achieve a dream, such as meeting a celebrity, attending an event or going on a trip. The Channel 4 programme Can We Cure Kids’ Cancer? looked at the story of three families with children receiving pioneering treatment.

Chey said: “I was moved by the way the charity helps the children go on to do incredible things.”

Debden Park School pupil Cheyanne Martin will be shaving her hair off in aid of the charity Make a Wish

Her hairdresser sister Lauren, 27, will be cutting Chey’s long, dark hair and her mum July and stepdad Mark Toms are very supportive of her decision.

Chey said: “I will miss my hair, but it will grow back. I felt I had to do something to help these children.”

Although she hasn’t decided where the ‘final cut’ will take place, she hopes to engage her school in the effort too.

Rachel Philpot, mother of Chey’s long-time friend Honey, said: “She has been friends with my daughter Honey for many years now and I’ve watched her grow up into a confident young lady. When my daughter told me what Chey was going to do, I wasn't surprised. I thought it was such a brave thing to do and just knew that she could do it! I’m so proud and I think it’s marvellous. I really hope she raises lots of money.”

After starting her fundraising efforts online at the weekend, she has already raised a total of £260 towards a £500 target.

Chey, who takes her A-levels next year, is studying dance and philosophy and hopes to go to university.

If you would like to contribute to Chey’s fundraising, visit her Go Fund Me page: https://gofund.me/77397c04