In April of this year we lost Bertie’s beloved Dad, James, after a short battle with cancer.

At the start of James’ cancer journey Bertie made a pact with his Dad that when his treatment started, if his hair fell out, then Bertie would shave his head too so they could be the same and in the hope James wouldn’t feel so sad about losing his precious locks - he was very particular about his hair! We never got to that stage of our journey, and James passed away within weeks of his diagnosis.

In memory of James and others who have been touched by this cruel disease Bertie would like to honour his promise to his Dad by shaving his hair off.

Bertie has been supported throughout this time by his best friend Toby, who has been truly incredible! Toby has made Bertie laugh when he needed cheering up, sat with him while he is sad, talked when he wanted to and distracted him when he needed it, he still does to this day.

Bertie and Toby have made it their mission to raise money to support charities and Toby has very bravely decided to shave his hair off with Bertie; now that is a true best friend!

This event will form part of a whole fundraising day on Wednesday 12th July, that the boys are hosting at school. They are inviting all children to come into school with crazy hair, have an array of activities for the whole school to take part in, and are having a cake sale to finish off the day!

All money raised will go to supporting the work of Thames Hospice in Maidenhead. James was cared for at the Inpatient Unit at the end of his life. A fabulous unit with amazingly kind, caring and compassionate staff, they supported us through James’s final days and still support us as a family to this day.

Thank you for reading our story, if you are able to sponsor Bertie and Toby please do, every pound raised will help the hospice to continue their incredible work.