Young rugby star received hurtful comments for growing his hair long

A YOUNG boy has beaten the bullies to grow his hair for The Little Princess Trust.

Jacob McPeake wanted to donate his long locks in memory of three of his grandparents who had cancer.

But the 11-year-old from Gloucester faced much teasing and taunting as his hair grew to the lovely long length we need for our wigs.

Jacob’s mum Sally said the criticism caused her son to consider cutting his hair earlier than planned but, willed on by one famous name, Jacob ignored the hurtful comments to let his hair grow longer and longer.

Jacob is a keen sportsman and he received a big confidence boost when Guy Thompson, an LPT Ambassador and star rugby player, wrote to the young supporter with some words of encouragement.

Your long hair does not make you any less of a person – it shows just what an independent and strong individual you are

In his letter Guy, who has played for Wasps and Leicester Tigers and now represents Ealing Trailfinders, said: “I am sorry to hear that some people have made some silly comments about your long hair.

“Just like you, I also play rugby and I, too, grew my hair very long so I could donate it to The Little Princess Trust.

“I want you to know that your long hair does not make you any less of a rugby player or a person – in fact, I think it shows just what an independent and strong individual you are.

“And it also shows you are incredibly generous and kind.”

Guy added: “Rugby is a brilliant team game and the best players in our sport are unselfish and always think of their teammates.

“We can take these lessons from rugby and use them in life, and I think this is exactly what you have done with your support of LPT.”

Sally said Jacob was delighted to receive the support from a star of the rugby world.

Jacob, who plays rugby for Brockworth Badgers, finally had his wonderful long locks cut this week.

As well as donating 18 inches of hair, Jacob also raised £1,230 for our charity.

The phenomenal sum will help us provide wigs to children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.