Rugby club comes together to give phenomenal support to LPT!

A promise from a rugby club stalwart to have his first hair cut in a quarter of a century helped to raise thousands of pounds for The Little Princess Trust.

Simon Johnston is known across Bristol’s rugby circles for his ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ long locks that were a huge part of his unconventional style.

But when he heard about the fundraising taking place at Avonmouth Claire's Ladies team, he decided to join in with the fun.

A real clubman who helps coach the young players and performs many voluntary roles at Avonmouth, Simon pledged to shave his head if the players raised enough money to pay for The Little Princess Trust to provide two wigs to children with hair loss.

Such was the involvement from so many players at the rugby club that the £1,400 figure was soon passed, meaning Simon’s hair would encounter scissors for the first time in more than 25 years.

Hayley Coachafer, captain of the women’s team, said Simon’s involvement was part of a huge effort from so many people at the rugby club.

She said they first found out about The Little Princess Trust as one of the players for Avonmouth Claire's Ladies regularly donates her hair to help our free wig provision service.

Others wanted to also help and they marked down September as the date for the club’s ‘big chop’.

Before long, the club soon had 11 senior women players and three girls from the junior section signed up to donate their long locks.

They began fundraising and it was at this time that Simon offered to help and cut his hair should they pass their £1,400 target.

“Simon hasn't had his hair cut for over 25 years, so his involvement really gained the attention far and wide as he's a long serving volunteer and coach to the club and not to mention a cracking chap with great long hair,” added Hayley.

Rugby players Becky Simpson and Katie Warren added to the pot by climbing the three highest peaks in North Africa while a further £400 was raised by the Dunholme community’s jumble sale.

Joe Golder and George Ralph ensured some of the men’s team played their part by getting their bodies waxed on the day of the big chop which saw the whole club come together to bake and sell cakes, host raffles and run a barbecue while junior matches took place.

The total raised for The Little Princess Trust has now surpassed £4,000 and Hayley said the final day when the community joined as one for something they truly believed in was one they would never forget.

People from far and wide were telling us of the incredible difference you make in what you do.

Hayley added: “I have to say on behalf of the team as Captain, one thing we learnt throughout the build-up to ‘The Big Chop’ and during the day itself, is the incredible job performed by The Little Princess Trust.

“People from far and wide were reaching out telling us their own heartfelt stories of what they are going through and the incredible difference you make in what you do. 

“We hope the amount raised at least contributes to making one little person's life a little bit easier.”