A YOUNG girl is going to have her long locks shaved off to raise money for a Melksham youngster with cerebral palsy, to help him walk more easily.

Raife Wilson was born having lost the majority of his right temporal lobe due to a significant bleed to the brain, which led to numerous difficulties including cerebral palsy.

His family are currently aiming to raise £45,000 so he can have life-changing surgery which will ease stiffness and spasticity – and 10-year-old Skye Williams is going to have her head shaved to boost funds.

Mum Keileigh Williams, 31, of Bowerhill, said: “Skye has wanted to do it for a while but wasn’t sure which charity to pick, so when Laura said she was setting up a charity for Raife, it seemed like the obvious choice.

“Her hair goes all the way down past her shoulders so it’s going to be a big shock when it all comes off. She’s having a number 4 done so it’s going to be very different.

“We’re so proud of her, she’s a very caring young girl, as is her sister, Phoenix.

“My six-year-old son Aston had cancer two years ago and is currently in remission, so Skye and Phoenix became even more caring and selfless as a result of that.”

The shave will take place on stage at the Trowbridge Civic Centre on August 4, when CBBC presenter Gemma Hunt brings a fun-filled, pirate-themed party to the town to raise money for Raife.

Skye's hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs from real hair for children losing their own hair through cancer treatment.

Raife’s mum, Laura Wilson, who is close friends with Mrs Williams, said: “We are so proud of Skye and very grateful, it’s a very brave thing for a 10-year-old girl to do.

“We can’t wait for Gemma’s party, it falls on Raife’s birthday and he’s so excited.”

For more information and tickets, visit https://www.trowbridgecivic.co.uk/event/Gemmas+Pirate+Party