Brave Portsmouth teenager shaves head in memory of brother

Saraya Jeffery, 14, from Buckland, shows off her new look with her mother Lorraine after having her head shaved

The 14-year-old schoolgirl said goodbye to her locks for the third anniversary of her brother Clayton’s death.

Saraya, from Buckland, raised £881 from the event for Clic Sargent, which supported her family while Clayton was in Southampton General Hospital with leukaemia.

She said: ‘Every day, people are losing their hair to cancer.

‘My brother passed away three years ago and along the way we met some amazing people who also lost their fight to cancer.

‘I shaved my hair to show I’m not afraid and I don’t care what people think any more.

‘I’m showing that anyone can do it if they just believe.’

Her mother Lorraine said she was so proud of her.

‘It was Saraya’s own idea and for a teenager whose image is everything, to shave her head is such a thoughtful and caring thing to do in memory of her brother,’ she said.

Saraya, who attends Portsmouth Academy for Girls, originally aimed to raise £300 but thanks to generous donations, she exceeded her target.

Clic Sargent fundraising manager Liz Blunt said: ‘We are delighted to see that Saraya’s fundraising donations have already exceeded her targets.

‘Every penny raised will help us be there to support young lives against cancer.

‘Saraya’s decision to fundraise in her late brother’s memory is both touching and inspirational.’

Saraya’s school is planning their own fundraising event today for Clic Sargent.

Interim headteacher Rachel Grey said: ‘Saraya has a very moving story and we are very proud to be supporting her in raising money for such a worthy cause, especially one that is so personal to her.’

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Saraya-Jeffery-CLICSargent-sign-big-buzz-2016