Optical assistant has a clear head for fundraising

A BRAVE 20-year-old man has shaved his head for charity in a show of solidarity with young cancer sufferers.

William Cooper, an optical assistant at Specsavers Opticians and Audiologists in Plymouth, raised a total of £500 in an event, held at his workplace, to raise money for The Teenage Cancer Trust.

William, from Ivybridge, said that he was inspired to take action after learning that his girlfriend’s colleague, who is just 19-years-old, had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

‘It’s shocking to think that people so young can be affected by this disease, so I wanted to shave my hair to show that I support the bravery of all those that lose their hair when they are undergoing treatment for cancer,’ he says. ‘It’s great to know that the money I raised will go towards people my own age with cancer.’

William’s fundraising endeavour was supported by his Specsavers colleagues, including the woman in charge of the clippers - Katie Jailler – who was a hairdresser before pursuing a career in optics.

Store director, Philip Gray, says: ‘Armada Way is one of the busiest stores in the country and yet our team still find the time to get behind causes that they know will benefit our customers. We’re incredibly proud of William and are pleased to have been able to help him reach his fundraising target.’

The Teenage Cancer Trust is a UK-based charity providing help for teenagers with cancer to ensure that they receive the expert treatment they need. The charity is committed to supporting the seven young people aged between 13 and 24 who are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK.

Those wanting to make a donation can do so in store or visit William’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/williamcooper777

To book an eye or hearing examination at Specsavers Plymouth, visit 152-154 Armada Way, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 1LB, call 01752 253434 or visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/plymoutharmadaway.