Two young Hornsea brothers are leading an effort that promises to raise thousands for charity, in support of their cousin. Jacob Lorriman, 9, and his younger brother Malachi, 4, have decided to shave their heads in solidarity with their 12 year-old cousin who is facing Hodgkin lymphoma.
The pair have also recruited Jacob’s entire football team – Hornsea Sporting Sharks under 9s – along with coach Chris Barr. So far the group have raised more than £2,000 for children’s cancer charity Candlelighters, who have helped the boys’ cousin.
Jacob’s proud mum, Amy Lorriman, explained: “He came home one day saying “mum, we’re going to do a fundraiser” and I said, “hang on, can you just let me speak to all the parents first!”
“And it’s escalated from there, and now we’re doing a big fundraiser. I’m really proud of him.”
She added: “We lost Jacob’s grandad to cancer a few years ago and he also had a friend who sadly passed away from cancer. So although he’s only nine, he’s aware of the process and he knows people can lose their hair when they have chemo.
“He knew that his cousin would be really upset and he asked if he could cut his hair to support her, and so she didn’t feel sad. He mentioned it to his football team who all go to the same school and they all said “we’ll do it” and then because it is a big group we thought, “do you want to try and raise some money?”
Jacob’s brother Malachi was equally excited about the prospect – and now they’re gearing up to lead “The Big Sharks Shave” in early December. Amy says the effort hopes to draw attention to Candlelighters, who have been “absolutely amazing” for her niece and provide practical, emotional and financial support families.
Regular Facetime calls from Jacob to his cousin have kept her up to date on the fundraising and recruitment for the Big Shave, which will take place on December 6 at Cowden Caravan Park with a local hairdresser performing the honours free of charge, and a DJ in attendance. Others funds will be raised on the night via a raffle and collection buckets.
Amy said: “The community spirit around it has been fantastic. What’s shocked me is my boy has been growing his hair – he wants this fringe – and he’s been growing it for about two years. I’m not allowed to touch it and every picture he says “is it looking good?” So for him to do this is a big deal.
“We’ve got other lads with top buns, undercuts, curly hair and long hair. It’s not just boys with a number two all over – there are some really good styles going on!” You can support Jacob, Malachi and the boys’ fundraising effort via their Gofundme page.
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