A HOWWOOD schoolboy braved the shave after growing his hair for 30 weeks to coin in cash for a Renfrewshire hospice.

Ten-year-old Mitchell Strachan took on the challenge as part of St Vincent’s Hospice’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.

The Howwood Primary pupil got his locks chopped at First Class Barbers, in Johnstone, and has become the first person since Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron to complete his own ‘30 Challenge’ for the Howwood hospice.

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Louise Strachan, Mitchell’s proud mum and senior fundraiser at the hospice, said: “This year, as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, we are encouraging people to take on a challenge to raise vital funds for the hospice – the only rule being that it has to include the number 30.

“I am so proud of Mitchell for being one of the very first people to not only accept but stick out the challenge, especially as he dedicated so much time to it.

“This was extremely difficult for him, going on holiday during this time and taking part in football practice when he sometimes was struggling to see through his locks.”

Mitchell said he wanted to do the challenge to raise as much money as possible for St Vincent’s because “the people who go there are very sick and need help.”

Louise added: “More than half the money required to run the hospice and take care of so many people is generated directly from voluntary donations and fundraising efforts from the community. 

“The 30 Challenge is a fun and lighthearted way that you can do your part to generate vital funds.

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“We can’t do this without your support, so please take part.”

Anyone who would like to support the fundraising drive is encouraged to send a video or some photos of themselves doing their own ‘30

Challenge’ to the hospice’s dedicated Facebook or Twitter page using the hashtag #30challenge.