Liam's sheds locks to support cancer sufferer

9:30am Wednesday 19th November 2008

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A TEENAGER has shed his locks in support of his best friend who has cancer.

Fifteen-year-old Liam Andrews wanted to do something special for his lifelong pal Jordan Thorn.

"People suggested I did various things to raise money but I wanted to do something that would shock everybody," said Liam, a Year 11 student at Brimsham Green School.

He and Jordan, 14, have been best friends since they were tots living just doors apart in Blakeney Mills, Yate.

The pair share a love of football and are both members of the Bristol Rovers academy where they trained together until earlier this year.

Jordan, who attends King Edmund Community School, has been forced to stop playing while receiving treatment for bone cancer and Liam broke his ankle and is also taking a break from training.

"I was disappointed that I couldn’t play football but then Jordan was diagnosed with cancer and I started thinking about why he couldn’t play," said Liam, who plays for St Nicholas Youth FC under 16s.

"He has lost his hair and I decided I wanted to do something for him, something that would shock everybody."

Liam had his hair shaved off in front of his classmates in an afternoon of fundraising, compered by ICT teacher Leroy Bogle.

Pupils and staff sponsored Liam and an auction was held for his goatee beard, raising £400 for Jordan and Cancer Research UK. The school is also donating half of the money raised from a Children in Need non-school uniform day last week.

Singer Paul Weller has also donated some cash after learning about the headshave through Liam’s sister Hannah Andrews, 23, who has collaborated with the artist.

Said Liam: "I was quite nervous about my having my head shaved at first but I didn’t want to just stand there and not do anything for Jordan.

"I know he would do the same for me, that is the type of person he is. He is much braver than me."

Headteacher Alun Williams said: "This is an example of Liam’s selflessness.

"He has shown real support for someone else and the whole school community wanted to help.

"It is something we strive to achieve in school, encouraging pupils to think in terms of their community and of others less fortunate than themselves."