Simon Shaves Head for Alexander Devine!

On the last day of term before Easter, Simon Booth, Head of Physics, shaved his hair off for the charity Alexander Devine, Children’s Hospice Service.

This charity was chosen by members of Fox House as their House Charity for 2022-23. It is dedicated to Alexander who was diagnosed with a brain tumour, aged 4, in November 2001. After years of medical treatments and operations to fight off a brain tumour, he sadly passed away, aged 8. Many children with brain tumours lose their hair, which inspired Simon to shave his hair to raise funds for the Hospice.

Fox House decided to organise this event as their House Charity. Finlay (Lower Sixth) bought the honour of shaving Simon’s head, as part of the fundraising, paying over £60 for the privilege. He found the job nerve-racking but said “I’ll be able to see him every day looking like that which I think will be quite funny and it’s for a good cause so I’m looking forward to doing it.” Simon agreed by saying “It’s a bit of fun”.

This charity is important as it was set up to do something positive and help other children in a similar situation. Alexander Devine aims to provide essential emotional support to families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, especially when their child comes to the end of their life. They also provide excellent care and play for the children, with many facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, creative learning zone and a sensory room.

There was a great sense of community for this cause, with many onlookers gathered in the Main Hall to show their encouragement. Impressively, over £400 was raised through generous donations made by numerous members of the School. Leighton Park aims for students to have a determined desire to change the world by being community-minded and don’t shy away from taking a stand. The values of Quakerism imbue all aspects of life at Leighton Park by encouraging students to help others by showing compassion and self-awareness. This event offered many members of the community an opportunity to support the charitable efforts of Fox House and to enjoy Simon’s head shave for a good cause.