A 13-year old youngster has shaved two years' worth of hair off for charity, raising vital funds for the much-loved Garden House Hospice Care.

Charlie Markarian braved the shave after deciding to fundraise for the Hospice which cared for a close family friend in the final few weeks of her life earlier this year.

Charlie's mum, Suzanne Markarian said: "Charlie started growing his hair in 2019, but a year ago he was getting fed up and nearly had it all cut off. Then he decided to raise money for charity, which I thought was a great idea.

"Charlie has had a tough 12 months losing his nan to cancer, then his aunt suddenly followed by his great uncle, all within the space of two weeks.

"We then lost a very close family friend in February to cancer. She was cared for at Garden House Hospice Care for the final three weeks of her life and the care she received was totally amazing. We are all so thankful to the Hospice."

Charlie didn't know his grandad, who also experienced Hospice care nearby, but his grandmother did lots of charity work and held open garden days, as well as volunteering twice weekly at her local Hospice shop until she moved to Letchworth in 2010 to be closer to us.

Charlie's mum and sister nursed her at home before she passed away in May 2020, but the Hospice at Home team were always there to comfort the family and give support when they needed it.

Suzanne added: "Charlie said it was a 'no brainer' to raise money for the Hospice. We're also looking forward to taking part in their Sunset Starlight Walk this weekend, walking 7.5 miles with our family and friends to help raise further funds."

Garden House Hospice Care's Sunset Starlight Walk takes places this Saturday 7th August (7.45pm).

This popular family-friendly 7.5 mile walk starts and finishes at the Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel and takes walkers on a circular route through Hitchin and Letchworth, from sunset to starlight, with various interactive and fun stations along the walk.

To find out more details and to sign up, click here

Claire Lunnon, Fundraising Coordinator for Individuals and Community at Garden House Hospice Care said:

"Congratulations to Charlie on getting his head shaved after two years, which is a very brave thing to do.

"We're pleased that the Hospice was able to provide expert care for his family's friend in her final weeks and for Charlie to then select us as the benefitting charity for his headshave is extremely humbling.

"His initial target was to raise £100 but thanks to the generosity of his family and friends, we're delighted to see he's raised nearly £900. That could pay for our Family Support Team to provide emotional support for approximately 15 patients and their family members.

"We're also very pleased to see that Suzanne, Charlie and their family and friends are taking part in this Saturday evening's Sunset Starlight Walk.

"This 7.5 mile walk around Hitchin and Letchworth has returned for 2021 and really caught the imagination of the community, with many choosing to walk in memory of a loved one or friend they may have sadly lost in recent times."

To sponsor Charlie for his headshave, please visit his JustGiving page here