A FATHER of three will be getting his head shaved this weekend after his son, who is battling leukaemia, asked him to take up the challenge.

We reported last year about Lucas Hoare, from Bettws, who was diagnosed with leukaemia, and is currently undergoing five stages of treatment.

He is responding well to treatment, although it has gone on hold for a few weeks while he recovers from shingles.

His mum, Lindsay Hoare, said: “He is doing really well, but he gets a bit anxious about the needles and when he gets put to sleep for lumbar punctures. He had a couple of panic attacks and get really, really agitated. The rest doesn’t faze him."

Lucas will receive his finish his treatment in April 2019. He is still attending school at Monnow Primary, except for days when he travels to the Heath for his treatment.

Lucas’ hair has grown back since it all fell out when he began treatment last year. He will keep growing his hair until he finishes his treatment then he will get it cut and donate it to the Little Princess Trust who provide real hair wigs for children undergoing treatment.

Mrs Hoare added: “Losing his hair was so traumatic for him. It was heart-breaking because he kept saying he wasn’t normal. When he went back to school some of the kids called him baldy and he was mortified.”

After seeing an advert on TV, Lucas asked his dad Luke to take part in the 'Brave the Shave' to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Dreams & Wishes. Mr Hoare will be joined by 15 others who will also take part at a special event tomorrow which is being held at Newport Saracens RFC from 12pm.

There will also be other activities at the event including a bouncy castle, food stalls, games and a barbecue.

Mrs Hoare said of the event: “Lucas saw the advert and he got the idea of getting people to do it. His dad says yes and people were willing to do it too and we are open to anyone else who wants to come along and take part.”

To donate visit bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/luke-hoare or email lindsay078@gmail.com.