A GRAYS youngster whose long hair is a key element in his life has nevertheless decided to get it cut off to raise funds for the charity helping look after his sick cousin.

Jayden Frost, 10, attends Stifford Clays Primary school and his proud mum Rachel Bibby-Frost is hoping the local community will rally round and support her son when he has his locks chopped next month.

His fundraising will benefit the Evelina London Children's Charity, as Rachel explains.

She says: "My nephew and godson Thomas has kidney failure. His has just crept into stage five and over the next few months we should hopefully be given a plan of treatment going forward.

"Jayden has been point blank refusing a hair cut for quite some time! He was diagnosed with autism back in June and uses his hair to hide when he feels uncomfortable. He is very anxious about having his hair cut because it's change, its different .... but he said he will get it cut if he could raise money for Thomas' hospital."

And Jayden adds: "Everyone keeps saying about me having my hair cut but it makes me really anxious because I like to hide behind it in a way. But I have decided I will have it done but make it worthwhile and raise money for the Evelina Children's Hospital because they have done so much for Thomas."

If you would like to support Jayden's efforts, you can do so via his fundraising page here.