The brother of a cancer survivor braved the shave in a bid to raise vital funds for charity. 

Ethan Langley from Whittlesey raised more than £1,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer as part of a fundraising day at the George Hotel pub in Whittlesey. 

Ethan said he was inspired to take on the challenge this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month thanks to the support the charity provided his sister Bethany when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. 

Bethany, now 14, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2023 at just 13-years-old.

She has since undergone chemotherapy treatment and a major operation, ringing her 'end of treatment bell' in March 2024.

Throughout Bethany’s treatment her mum Tina held events on the oncology children’s ward in Addenbrookes Hospital to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer in her name.

Ethan said: "I decided to get my hair cut for Young Lives vs Cancer because the little ones go through so much pain and emotional torment that if I can make them even the slightest bit happier and more confident in themselves then I would like to do so.

"The Little Princess Trust helped us with a wig for Bethany so I'd like to return the favour so other children can have one too and I will continue to do so.”

JD Wetherspoon, which owns the George Hotel pub, have partnered with Young Lives vs Cancer for over 20 years, with staff and customers helping to to raise more than £23.7m for the charity.

Young Lives vs Cancer is the UK’s largest charity for children and young people (0-25) with cancer and their families.

Its social workers support families through the emotional and financial impact of cancer, while their ten Homes from Home across the UK offer a free place for families to stay nearby to the hospital. 

Bethany and her family were supported by Jess Dane, a Young Lives vs Cancer social worker in Cambridge during her treatment.

Now, the family wants to fundraise to ensure other young people, like Bethany, get the support they did.

Last year in Cambridgeshire, Young Lives vs Cancer helped 78 families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them.

The charity gave out 84 financial grants to the value of £15,580 helping families cope with the costs of cancer.

Elena Green, Young Lives vs Cancer’s Fundraising Engagement Manager for Cambridgeshire, said: “We can’t thank Ethan enough for his fantastic efforts.

"This big challenge that he has selflessly taken on will make a massive difference for young people with cancer by helping us ensure they are getting the right support they need.”