Boy, 6, cuts hair to raise money in memory of aunt

A six-year-old boy who grew out his hair and cut it for charity in memory of his aunt has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Reuben, from Southwold, Suffolk, lost his aunt Trudie to cancer last year and decided he wanted to donate his hair to the Little Princess Trust that makes wigs for children with cancer.

He also set himself a fundraising target of £700 - the average cost of making a wig - and on Christmas Day on Southwold beach, Santa Claus chopped his locks.

In total, he raised £4,485 and his parents Leah and Arron Digby, along with his siblings, said they were "so proud of his tireless efforts".

Reuben's parents said: "Sadly, Trudie passed away last year. Our grief as a family only growing further when Reuben's Grandfather passed away on the same day his daughter Trudie was laid to rest.

"Reuben carried on with his fundraising, aiming for £700."

The young boy was nominated for a Blyth Valley Rotary Rising Star award for his efforts and was invited by Blyth Valley Rotary Club to open the Southwold Christmas Day swim where Santa would cut his hair.

His locks were snipped in front of the crowd before Reuben pressed the large red button to kick off the swim.

The rotary club donated £3,200 toward his fundraiser, which meant the total amount donated could create at least six wigs.

"[We] are so proud of his tireless efforts while navigating his way through grief, a difficult feat for any six-year-old, even being brave enough to speak on BBC Suffolk Radio," Mr and Mrs Digby said.

"We are utterly bursting with pride at his sheer determination and kind heart.

"We hope Reuben's story will inspire children and adults alike to do what they can to help their communities, whether it is through fundraising or simply being there for each other."

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.