Preston man raises almost £1,000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of his dad

Tom Cunningham had his ponytail chopped off, donating the hair to The Little Princess Trust, and raising almost £1,000 for Cancer Research UK, in honour of his dad, Ken, who died of oesophageal cancer five years ago, aged 59.

A stylist from Barbers, in Fishergate, did the big chop at Debenhams, in Preston, where Tom works.

He said: “My dad fought bravely against oesophageal cancer for a year. He died five years ago and it had a huge impact upon my life, as well as on my mum, Janet and my two brothers. It still bothers me to this day.

“In recent years I have seen friends and family who have been diagnosed with cancer or have lived with someone fighting it and I have been inspired by their strength and courage to fund-raise for charity.

“I am no long distance runner. I have probably cycled once in the past 10 years but what I can do is give away something I cherish to someone who needs it more. My hair.

“I have had long hair since I was 18 years old, it’s time for someone else to have a chance with it.

“Occasionally I frighten myself looking in the mirror and I keep reaching for my ponytail, but I like it. People say it’s taken a few years off me which can’t be bad.”

Anyone wishing to help Tom’s cause can do so at http://www,justgiving.com/fundraising/tomcunningham894.