A CARAVAN owner at a holiday park in Rhuddlan is to shave his head for a children’s charity at the site this week, three months on from the death of his grandson.

Roy Bellingham, 70, was left “devastated” when his 12-year-old grandson, Samuel, died at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool in July.

In his memory, and in support of the early-years charity Zoe’s Place, Roy will shave his head at Sun Valley Caravan Park in Rhuddlan on Friday (October 4).

Zoe’s Place supports babies and young children who have complex illnesses or disabilities from birth to age five, and has three hospices based in Coventry, Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

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Roy’s head-shave will be part of an evening of entertainment at the caravan park on Friday, which will also include singers, a disco, raffle and bingo, and a performance from the Colwyn Bay Ukulele Group.

He said: “We’re all devastated (by Samuel’s death), but it seemed to put extra impetus on raising money for kids, and Zoe’s Place seemed the ideal place to raise it for.

“It has snowballed from an evening of buckets, rattling cans and a raffle, to a full evening of entertainment, which I’ll be there compere at.

“I’ve threatened to shave my head for years, but never done it. The minute I mentioned doing this, people were practically throwing money at me to do it!

“We’ve tried to make it a good night for people – my daughter, Emma, and one of her friends will be shaving my head.

“I haven’t set a target, but I believe we’ve raised over £1,000 now. I want people to enjoy the evening, and to see what you can do for charity if you put your mind to it.

“I also want to raise awareness for Zoe’s Place, and the fantastic heroes who work for charities like them. It’s not an easy job, so they deserve credit for what they do.”

Doors open at Friday’s event at 7pm.

Katie Newell, a friend of Roy’s who also has a caravan at Sun Valley, added: “The owners of Sun Valley, SF Parks, have been great in helping and allowing this to happen, so we just wanted to raise some awareness for the event.

“It’s completely open to the public to attend; all we ask is that people bring loose change.”