A close shave for charity

27 May 2020

Thirteen-year-old Rayn Lakha has raised £600 for our hospitals’ staff – by shaving his head.

Rayn, who says his hair had grown “ridiculously long” during the lockdown, said those who know him would not have expected him to shave his head. “I have to admit I was shocked when I first saw myself, but I’m getting used to it now and I know it was definitely worth it!”

He said the pandemic had affected everyone in some way, whether worrying about a loved one on the frontline, becoming sick themselves or otherwise having life turned upside down. “I wanted to do something to help those at my local hospital to show them that we care about how they have been affected, that we appreciate all their hard work and that they will not be forgotten as we all stay safe at home.”

He has seen the effects more closely than some as he has several family members who are doctors and who have cared for those suffering from the virus. “I hope to go to medical school myself when I am older, but for now I wanted to help in my own small way.

“I’ve been blown away by everyone’s generosity and as soon as we reached the final goal my cousin Hasnain shaved my head in the garden! Thank you again to all our NHS staff and key workers. We are so grateful.”

Rayn, seen before with his puppy Simba.