A 13-year-old boy in Warrington, Cheshire, is shaving his head to raise funds for St Rocco’s Hospice, the facility providing palliative care to his 43-year-old mother, Sarah, who has stage four bowel cancer, bbc.com reported.
St Rocco’s Hospice Support and Palliative Care in Warrington
Sarah was initially diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in March 2025 at the age of 43. She underwent an initial operation to fit a stoma alongside chemotherapy, which did not work. The cancer spread to surrounding organs, prompting a second operation at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, which included hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy—a heated treatment used for specific peritoneal and abdominal cancers.
Scans in March showed inoperable nodes, shifting her medical path from curative care to life-prolonging treatment. For the past four months, St Rocco’s Hospice has provided palliative support and complementary therapies to Sarah and her mother, who has supported the family over the last 18 months. Sarah described the hospice staff and volunteers as an amazing help and a welcoming resource for the wider Warrington area.
Henry Decides to Shave His Head for Charity
Henry conceived the head shave after nurses informed Sarah that she would likely lose her hair during treatment. Sarah said her son wanted to ensure she wasn’t the only one in the family who was bald. Henry remarked that his mother has undergone multiple unsuccessful operations and requires palliative treatment, noting that St Rocco’s Hospice has helped her come to terms with her diagnosis.
Alongside his fundraising, Henry acts as a young carer at home, assisting his mother when she feels unwell. Sarah described him as an amazing boy, a larger-than-life character, and a caring, loving young man whose sense of humor lightens the mood daily. The head shave is scheduled for October 8, with donations already exceeding £1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cancer was Sarah diagnosed with?
Sarah was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in March 2025 at age 43, which later spread to surrounding organs and became inoperable.
Which hospital performed Sarah’s secondary operations?
The Christie Hospital in Manchester performed Sarah’s second operation, which included hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
How long has St Rocco’s Hospice been supporting the family?
St Rocco’s Hospice has been providing palliative support and complementary therapies to Sarah for approximately four months.
How much money has Henry raised so far?
Henry has raised more than £1,000 for St Rocco’s Hospice ahead of his scheduled head shave on October 8.
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