Close shave for school friends

Photo Neil Cross
Year six pupils at St Bernard's Catholic Primary had their heads shaved in school to support classmate Oliver Kearney, who is having an operation at Alder Hey — Photo Neil Cross Year six pupils at St Bernard's Catholic Primary had their heads shaved in school to support classmate Oliver Kearney, who is having an operation at Alder Hey

Year Six pupil Oliver Kearney faced having his head shaved before undergoing an  operation .

In a bid to ensure he wouldn’t feel embarrassed, six of his friends at St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School decided to have their own locks lopped – and raise money for charity at the same time.

Oliver, 11, suffers from Parry Romberg Syndrome, a rare disease that has caused his skull and eye socket bones to crumble.

He’s just undergone a gruelling operation at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to fit implants to his skull, eye socket and jaw .

Staff at the school , in Victoria Park Avenue in Lea, added their support to help raise funds for Alder Hey and facilitated the head shave in  assembly.

Mum Laura said: “His school friends have all been absolute heroes in my eyes. I am so touched and proud of them all.

“They organised cake sales and one friend, Ethan, has done a sponsored 64-length swim to support Oliver and Alder Hey.

“A group of friends from Fairy God Dusters have also done a fund-raising skydive.

“I just wish to thank everyone who has supported Oliver through this tough time .”

Oliver, who has an older bother Declan, 15, has been in hospital a few times before for minor operations,

Laura added: “Oliver was very touched when his friends offered to have their head shaved too. Hairstyles are very precious when you are 11.

“The support from friends and family has been great for him.”

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