Grandfather donates decade of hair to wig charity

A grandfather who has been growing his hair for more than a decade has had it chopped off, and donated it to a charity that makes wigs for children.

Rick Whitmore, from Swindon, has had his "very, very long" grey locks snipped at a pub in the town for the hair loss charity Little Lady Locks.

The 59-year-old is also raising money for Prospect Hospice in memory of his brother Patrick Whitmore, who died from cancer a year and a half ago.

Whitmore, said: "I haven't got a clue [how long it was]. All I know is, when I sat down I was sitting on it so it was probably over three feet long."

Whitmore, said he first started growing his hair back in the 90s - when he was in a rock band - and "kind of liked it".

"I liked it, but there are other people out there that need it for a better cause."

Despite not having a haircut for 10 years, he said it was following the death of his brother that he became determined to have it cut for charity.

"I'd already decided beforehand that I was going to donate [my hair] at some point," he said.

"And then - unfortunately the cancer took [my brother] very rapidly and it's been on my mind ever since."

Whitmore had the big chop done on Thursday in front of a pub full of "friends and strangers alike".

"My son thinks it's a good idea but my grandsons - they're too young to take much of it in - but they'll be surprised when they see me with short hair.

Charity founder Ashley Marie Higgins said they were very "touched" he chose Little Lady Locks for the donation.

"Someone growing their hair that long is very rare. Especially it coming from a gentleman," she said.

"We're so grateful that he's chosen our charity".

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