11-year-old Iolo from Barry, who hasn't had a haircut since 2019, is donating his 24 inches of hair to a wig charity.

The kind-hearted Penarth RFC U11s prop started growing his hair during the Covid lockdowns three years ago. It is nearly long enough to sit on.

"Lots of people assume I'm a girl but I just shrug and tell them I'm a boy with long hair. It doesn't bother me. I like my hair. It's majestic but I think this is as long as it will go."

Iolo decided it was time to go for the chop and donate his long locks to the Little Princess Trust. The charity create wigs for children and young people who have experienced hair loss through cancer treatment or other conditions.

The year 6 pupil also wanted to use this as a chance to raise some money for Make 2nds Count in memory of his Mum's friend Emily who died last year following a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer and grew up in Penarth.

Iolo's mum Megan said "I'm very proud of Iolo. He's had so many compliments on the colour and condition of his hair but he understands that it will make a big difference to another child who loses theirs.

"Emily didn't use her wig every day but having the option meant a lot. She was the first friend who visited Iolo when he was born, and I love that he thought of her when he suggested using the hair cut for fundraising."

Iolo's two feet of hair will be cut after the annual Good Friday match at Penarth RFC where Penarth Youth are hosting Pontypridd Youth on 7th April 2023.

There will be collections on the day for the Little Princess Trust as it costs £550 to create each wig. Iolo also has a Just Giving page for people to donate to Make 2nds Count, a patient and family focused charity raising awareness and funding medical research into secondary breast cancer.

Secondary breast cancer is breast cancer which has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Although it can be treated, there is no cure. Unlike those living with primary breast cancer, there is no end of treatment, there is no remission.

It's estimated that 35,000 people are currently living with secondary breast cancer in the UK yet only 7% of the National funding for cancer goes towards this incurable disease. Make 2nds Count aim to address this imbalance.