A TROON boy has decided to 'Brave the Shave' for Macmillan Cancer and family friend who has beaten cancer three times.

Ethan Riddell, who is just 13 years old and a pupil at Marr College, will shave his head for the charity on June 30 and to raise awareness for the illness.

Ethan said: "I have decided to Brave the Shave for two significant people in my life. 

"My Papa sadly passed away after losing a battle against Cancer 12 years before I was born so I sadly didn't get to meet him but I have been told he was a great person. 

"He loved swimming having fun and was friendly to everyone. The other person is my friend's Mum. My friend Kasia is the same age as me and her Mum has battled Cancer three times since Kasia was born. 

"Kasia and her mum are outstandingly brave for never given up and still having fun. This is why I will Brave the Shave to raise money and awareness for MacMillan Cancer Support."

Ethan's mum told the Troon Times that her son has wanted to take part in this event for some time.

Clare explained: "Ethan has mentioned it before but he said that he was definitely 'Braving the Shave' this year. My dad, Ethan's Papa, passed away after battling cancer and Ethan saw the affect it had on me.

"People talk about my dad to him and Ethan says that he would have loved to have known him."

Clare and her family lived in Brunei before moving to Troon. While they were out there they met Mandy and her daughter Kasia. When Kasia was born, Mandy had already beaten breast cancer.

Clare added: "We moved again and Mandy found another lump. She had a mastectomy and went through chemo. She lost all her hair but she was always very positive. Ethan is doing this for Mandy who was later diagnosed with a brain tumour.

"She had the tumour removed but the treatment had a bad affect. Although she doesn't live nearby, we still keep in touch and Mandy is always asking after the kids. She never gives up."

So far Ethan has raised £320 - £230 has been through online donations. Ethan has also taken part in the Race for life in Brunei. Clare and her 11-year-old daughter Lexi took part in Irvine's Race for Life just two weeks ago.

Claire continued: "I am extremely proud of Ethan - he is very brave. I think as a teenager you are quite self conscious but he just says his hair will grow back. I think it is a selfless thing to do."

Ethan will 'Brave the Shave on June 30. To donate visit https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/ethan-riddell.