A YOUNG boy shaved off his hair in memory of his grandfather who died of cancer.

Ross Raymond Taylor, from North Weald, wanted to honour Raymond John Bentley, who died in February, by supporting Macmillan Nurses.

The 12-year-old wanted to do something special to remember his close family member and most of all his dear friend.

He said: “When my Grandad passed away I always thought I would do it for him but after seeing others with cancer and everyone fundraising I thought why not.

“It feels nice to have done it in his memory. I am very proud I have done it and I am sure he will be too.”

Mr Bentley, also know as Beano, was born in Essex in November 1943, he married childhood sweetheart Maureen in 1966 and became the father of Daron and twins Lisa and Marie.

He had six grandchildren, Chloe, Joshua, Max, Ross, Millie and Fay, and was described by his loved ones as a loving, fun, kind, supportive, loyal man who was protective over his grandchildren.

So far Ross has raised more than £600 by asking his friends and family to donate as little or as much as they can.

The Epping St John's School pupil added: “I have been going around fundraising and I have been asking people to sponsor me.

“I have also been giving forms out to my friends and family and they have just kept it going on and it has been going up from there.

“I am still collecting some of the money at the moment so I am not sure how much I have raised yet but I think it will be over £600.

“My grandad is, was and always will be loved, missed & honoured. Forever in my heart, a true legend and my hero.”

To help Ross raise money for cancer support and in memory of his grandad visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RossTaylor2016.