In a heartwarming display of solidarity, twelve primary school boys from Berkshire bravely shaved their heads to show their support for their friend, 9-year-old Harry Mills, who is fighting a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Harry, from Charvil near Reading, was diagnosed with bone cancer in July and faces an intense treatment regimen, including 18 rounds of chemotherapy.
Harry’s diagnosis was a blow to him and his family, especially as he feared losing his hair. But instead of facing this challenge alone, Harry’s friends and his dad, Andy, decided to take action. They would stand by Harry and shave their heads in a show of unity. The event, held on September 9, has already raised an incredible £25,000 for Young Lives Vs Cancer, a charity that provides vital support to families affected by cancer.
Harry’s emotions were mixed as he sat before the mirror, watching as his hair was shaved off for the first time. “At the end there was a mirror and I could see it and I was like, ‘I look 10 times more different,’” Harry said, noting how the transformation felt surreal. As Harry became the first to undergo the shave, his friends and father cheered him on, offering their moral support. The atmosphere was charged with nervous excitement as the boys followed suit, one by one, until they all had nearly shaved heads. They grinned for the cameras before and after, showing off their courage and their unwavering friendship.
The boys’ incredible efforts didn’t stop with the hair shave. Within just a week, they smashed their fundraising target of £10,000, raising more than double that amount to help other children and families battling cancer. Byron Geldard from Young Lives Vs Cancer praised the boys for their efforts, saying, “Harry and his friends have done an amazing job in smashing their target of £10,000 in less than seven days.”
For Andy Mills, Harry’s father, the gesture was deeply meaningful. “I said to the boys that it means so much to us and to Harry, the fact that they are doing this for him because, you know, people do stare at kids with no hair,” Andy shared. “It’s something personal to Harry that he knows he’s got some really good mates that are right by his side throughout this for him.”
Harry’s battle began earlier this year, when he started experiencing pain in his leg while playing football. The pain soon led to swelling, and Harry began limping. After an X-ray and an MRI scan, doctors broke the news to the family: Harry had a tumour in his leg. The tumour, diagnosed as Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma, is extremely rare and accounts for less than 1% of all cancers. The doctors told Harry’s parents that the tumour had likely burst through the bone, and the road ahead would involve extensive chemotherapy and several surgeries.
Despite the overwhelming challenges ahead, Harry has remained strong, supported by an outpouring of love and encouragement from friends, family, and even celebrities. Harry Judd, the drummer for McFly, sent a message of support, saying, “Hey Harry, it’s Harry. Great name! I’m sorry you’ve not been very well but I hear you’re being super brave.” Radio DJ Chris Evans also sent his well-wishes, offering prayers and good energy for Harry’s recovery.
Harry’s sisters, Laura and Abi, are also getting involved in the fundraising effort. Throughout September, they’ve challenged themselves to walk 80 miles as part of the “Challenge 80” initiative. Abi, who has been immensely proud of her brother, said, “It’s nothing compared to obviously what Harry is going through so it’s kind of us just doing our little bit. I’m just honestly in complete awe of all of them. Also, I’m just a very proud big sister about how strong he’s been too. Obviously, we’ve had our tears and ups and downs, but he’s powered through it, so much better than I could.”
As Harry looks forward to the day when his treatment is over, he holds onto the promise of a special trip once he is well again. His diagnosis came just two days before their summer holiday, and despite everything he’s endured, Harry knows he has the full support of his family and friends, and that together, they will make it through this difficult journey.
This powerful act of love and solidarity has not only raised money for those affected by cancer but has also highlighted the strength and resilience of Harry and his community, proving that even in the darkest of times, the light of friendship and support can shine brightly.
