Charity head shave in memory of best friend’s mum

Jude Lavender has been growing his hair since the beginning of April and is having his head shaved on Saturday, December 19 at Hairs & Graces in East Grinstead.

Jenny, Jude’s mum, said: “He decided just after Samantha Broad passed away, aged 43, at the beginning of April to grow his hair. 

“He wanted to do something to help support his best friend Lewis and remember Sam as she did a lot of charity work.  It was during the first lockdown so we all felt helpless as we couldn’t see them or offer any support.”

Jude lives with his mum Jenny and his dad Michael in Crawley Down, his initial fundraising target was £500, but he has gone on to raise more than £3,000.

Jenny said: “He smashed his target on the first day. He was so shocked and checks the Go Fund Me page all the time to see it rising.

“The target keeps moving as he becomes more and more amazed at the amount raised.”

The money Jude raises will be donated to charity Riding for the Disabled, Samantha had been the chairperson of the Horsehills Branch since 2018 and volunteered there.

Jenny said: “Jude wanted to pick a charity that meant a lot to her and discussed it with her family. The RDA provides learning and development opportunities for disabled children and adults by helping them to ride and work with horses.

“The volunteers at Horsehills work tirelessly in this great cause,  and will be resuming activities fully in 2021 as we emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic.”

As to how he feels about the charity head shave he is ‘nervous’ but ‘overwhelmed by people’s reaction to his fundraising’.

Jenny said: “He is also very humble and says that some people raise millions so £3,000 is not a lot and wants to raise more.”

Michael added: “We are incredibly proud to think not only can a 12-year-old boy think of this idea, then raise a huge amount of money but also how he has supported his friend.”

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/wvw46z-charity-head-shave

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