A RHYL retiree will sacrifice his locks to help cancer research. John Deakin, originally of Stoke-on-Trent, will brave the shave later this month to raise vital funds for MacMillan Cancer research.

The 72 year old, who has lived in Rhyl for 42 years and worked for Currys before retiring 10 years ago, was inspired to take on the challenge for first time after seeing the campaign advertised on TV and is currently growing out his hair for the event. at the Hair Lounge in Rhyl.

Mr Deakin, who has previously dyed his hair blonde for Children in Need, said: “Sadly Helen Hall, who is one of my donors, passed away at the weekend of Motor Neurone Disease so I will also be doing the shave in her memory.

“I’ve not yet set a date but I’m thinking end of September. I might even delay it till the middle of October in memory of my son Andrew, who was tragically killed in an accident on October 23, 2000.

“Andrew’s death had nothing to do with cancer but it certainly did inspire me to try to be a better person.”

To donate to Mr Deakin’s campaign, click here.