A YOUNG Alloa lad has had his head shaved in a bid to support Strathcarron Hospice during the coronavirus crisis.

Redwell Primary pupil Jamie Stark has been inspired by the amazing fundraising efforts of Captain Tom Moore and has, at the of writing, already raised more than £1,400 for the hospice by shaving his head.

It is a cause close to the heart of the eight-year-old P4 pupil, as his dad Jamie's Auntie Irene Green was cared for at the hospice in her final days.

The fundraising bid is in Auntie Irene's memory, who would have turned 70 last week.

Amazingly, despite his young age local Jamie is rather clued-in and realised that the hospice may be in need of donations at a time when many charities are struggling.

And with Strathcarron relying entirely on people's goodwill and generosity, the young man surprised his parents by proposing the idea.

Mum Rhona could not be prouder of her son, who plays with the Wasps 2011 team and has also been showcasing his talents on the stage with Spotlight Youth Theatre.

She gave thanks to the communities of both the football club and the youth theatre company for their generous support for the fundraiser.

Jamie had all his hair shaved off last Wednesday, May 6, and dad Jason is also rocking that same hairstyle.

Rhona affectionately told the Advertiser it was a big step to take for Jamie as "he is such a wee poser, he loves his hair gel and he really likes to look good".

But Jamie was adamant he wants to do his bit, especially as he wanted to make sure Strathcarron can carry on at a time when many people's focus is on NHS donations.

Initially, the family were targeting a modest £100, but have since smashed that target more than tenfold thanks to generous community support from far and wide.

Rhona said: "I'm unbelievable proud of him, I think for the fact that it was all his own idea."

And she added: "My husband's auntie passed away at Strathcarron a few years ago so we were up there almost every day to see her towards the end.

"Even though it's a hospice, it's not a sad place.

"There's a really friendly and warm atmosphere in there, the staff just make it so friendly and welcoming – it's not a scary place to go and visit, even for kids."

She also praised Strathcarron for the wider services provided, including counselling which some of Jamie's friends have benefited from in the past.

"The place is just amazing and the staff are amazing," Rhona said.

The fundraiser is still ongoing, visit bit.ly/3dqz4U5 to donate.