Seven-year-old James has his first ever haircut for charity

James Doyle (7) who is having his first ever hair cut and donating the hair to the Little Princess Trust. Before picture of James with his long hair. Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2016)

And while they were ready and the stylist was poised to lop the lot off, James Doyle had other ideas.

On an especially poignant day just hours after his grandfather had died the reluctant sitter was given a last few words of encouragement as the scissors loomed.

In the end and after the deed was done he declared himself a short-hair convert, delighting in his manageable style which now only took a few minutes to comb in the morning.

His mother Christina Doyle, 36, said it had been an emotional day.

Earlier her father, the inspiration behind the World Cancer Day stunt, had sadly died after a long battle with prostate cancer at the age of 68.

It meant the family were unsure about whether to go ahead with the charity hair cut, the proceeds of which will be donated to Macmillan Nurses, East Coast Hospice and the Leah Wilby Foundation.

But with so much already arranged they decided to press on, hoping to add a joyful element on such a sad day.

Although James was very upset he was buoyed by the idea of raising money in memory of his grandfather.

With donations still coming in sponsorship is likely to reach £1000 - meaning he has done just grand.

The haircut took place at Fusion in Gorleston, the crucial cut taking around an hour overall with James thinking the worst was over at the first snip.

Having managed the initial chop with minimal fuss, James was less enthusiastic about having his hair shaped and styled - especially in front of an audience.

But Mrs Doyle said he was so well supported with Fusion providing sweets and balloons to soothe the process that he was happy in the end - and now wants to go shorter.

Facing his chums at Ormesby Village Infant School was another hurdle, but with so many of the girls cooing over his new look he was soon over his nerves.

“He loves how it does not take long to brush now, just a few seconds in the morning. He is happy with it and we got there in the end. Fusion were so kind and generous everyone has been lovely,” Mrs Doyle added.

The family, of West Caister, including delivery driver dad Philip and sister Lucy, aged eight, have yet to add their sponsorship donations to the pot.

Meanwhile James’ blonde tresses will be donated to the Little Princess Trust which makes quality real hair wigs for children with cancer who as well as dealing with the impact of cancer have to cope with the difference the disease and treatment makes to their looks.

To donate search “need a trim Jim” on Facebook or find the Paypal page of the same name.