MOREDON man Rickie Leyton braved the razor today to support a friend whose inspirational fight against cancer helped in his own health battle.

The 33-year-old went bald in support of Jane Frimpton, who became a firm friend through her association with the Kentwood Show Choir.

Jane was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and her positivity in the face of adversity helped Rickie through his own fight after he contracted blood clots in his heart and was discharged from work.

And to thanks her, Rickie let the barbers at Virgilio’s in Moredon lop off his locks to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Research.

“I know Jane through her being in the Kentwood Show Choir, of which I am a patron,” Rickie explained.

“I became a supporter because of all the charity work they do, and I used to go and see their shows with my family when I was a child.

“Jane has already had several operations in London to try to treat her cancer. Apparently the surgery she needed wasn’t available on the NHS, so she ended up going to America for it.

“She has handled her illness a lot better than I have handled mine, because I took mine quite hard. They found that I had blood clots which caused damage to the right side of my heart, which meant I couldn’t work for a couple of years, and I’ve been through around four or five consultants. I am lucky to be alive.”

Thankfully, both Rickie and Jane have improving health.

“I recently had the all clear, so I can now start looking to the future,” said Rickie.

“Jane has had some good news recently so things are looking up for her too..

“Considering everything she has gone through with the cancer, it was definitely with her in mind that I decided to raise some money. Even with everything she has gone through, she has been there for me and been really supportive.

“While there isn’t a huge amount of hair to go, it is just something I have not done before, to go bald, and it shows solidarity with her.”

To donate, visit bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/rickie-leyton