A Herefordshire man has turned personal loss into a powerful act of kindness by donating his hair to help children battling cancer. Tim Howson, who began growing his hair in 2020 after losing his father to cancer, recently had it cut and donated to a charity that provides wigs for young patients who lose their hair during treatment.
Mr Howson’s haircut took place in a familiar and meaningful setting: the Ye Old Ferrie Inn in Symonds Yat, near Ross-on-Wye, where he works. The moment marked the end of a four-year journey that began during a difficult period in his life and evolved into a tribute filled with compassion and purpose.
His father, who was a transgender woman, had been diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and passed away the following year. One of the things she cherished most about her identity was her hair. That connection became the inspiration for Mr Howson to let his own hair grow, with a clear goal in mind from the beginning.
From the outset, he intended to donate his hair to The Little Princess Trust, a Herefordshire-based organisation that creates real-hair wigs for children and young people who lose their hair due to cancer treatment or other medical conditions. The charity has supported thousands of families across the UK and also plays a major role in funding research into childhood cancers.
Speaking after the haircut, Mr Howson described the experience as deeply emotional. Seeing his reflection with a shaved head while holding the plaited hair in his hand felt strange, but also meaningful. What started as a simple idea grew into something far more personal over time.
Growing long hair had been a new experience for him. While he developed a fresh appreciation for it, he also admitted it was not always easy to manage. Most days, it stayed tied up in a bun. Despite the practical challenges, he stayed committed to his goal, knowing the end result could make a real difference to children facing far tougher battles.
The local community played a significant role in turning the gesture into a wider fundraising effort. An online campaign was organised to support the donation, encouraging friends, regulars at the pub, and local residents to contribute. The response exceeded expectations.
More than £4,000 was raised, a figure described as remarkable by supporters. Tracy Carter, a local resident who helped set up the fundraising page and is herself a supporter of the charity, praised the generosity shown by the community. She said the total reflected how strongly people connected with the cause and Mr Howson’s story.
Mr Howson expressed gratitude for the support he received, describing his local area as kind and generous. For him, the donation represents more than just hair or money. It stands as a tribute to his father, a way to honour her memory, and a chance to bring comfort and confidence to children facing illness.
The gesture highlights how personal stories can inspire meaningful action, turning grief into hope for others who need it most.
