A ten-year-old who shaved off all his hair in honour of his brave uncle has raised more than £12,500 for charity.

Heath Hulett, from Warsash, started the new year by braving the shave, surrounded by friends, family and supporters, including his uncle Martin Moody, at Warsash Sailing Club. 

Heath had promised his mum he would finally get the hair he had been growing for over a year cut. But he wanted to raise money for MND Association at the same time in support of Martin, a keen sportsman from Sarisbury Green, who was struck down with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2020.

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He decided that, if he could raise £1,000 in sponsorship by the end of New Year's Eve, he would go ahead with a New Year's Day head shave. 

The £12,500 pledged so far is still growing and some supporters have even promised to join Heath in braving the shave as the total raised continues to rise. 

There is currently no cure for this awful disease, a rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system leading to muscle weakness, often with visible wasting.

The MND Association focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and their families.

Daily Echo:

Every day, six more people in the UK are told the devastating news that they have MND. No one's experience is the same - so personalised support is vital for anyone affected.

Motor Neurone Disease has been in the news this week with the announcement that rugby legends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield were both recognised in the King's New Year's Honour List for their extraordinary work to raise awareness of the disease.

The former Leeds Rhinos teammates were rewarded with CBEs for the campaign, which began when Rob was diagnosed with the condition.

Kevin has raised nearly £10million since his friend’s battle began five years ago, mainly by running ultra marathons. 

Kevin was pictured carrying Rob across the finishing line at this year’s Leeds Marathon in May – and the stars, who were boyhood friends, have co-written a book, With You Every Step.