RUGBY players willingly had their hair cut short in memory of a patient who sadly died at Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Louise Prescott was just 41 when she passed away in February this year and her 13 year old cousin, Harvey Massey, decided he wanted to raise some money for the Hospice which cared for her.

The Bedford High pupil persuaded his Leigh Miners Rangers ARLFC under 13s team mates to volunteer for a sponsored hair cut to raise funds for the Hospice.

Harvey's mum, Dawn, and mother-in-law Eileen Massey have Colour and Curl hairdressing salon in South Lane, Astley and with stylist Rebecca Grimshaw they agreed to give the 17 team members a haircut to remember.

A host of Rangers' club members plus Leigh Centurions' players Stuart Littler, Tom Goulden and Anthony Nicholson turned up to watch the spectacle.

"The look on the lads faces when the first ‘victim’, Josh, sat down, was a picture," said Dawn.

"It was quite an emotional day. We're so proud of what the boys did, it was a big thing for them and we are hoping to raise £1,000 for the Hospice."

There was a mixture of merriment and trepidation as each one took their turn in the chair including coach Tom Dawson who agreed to say goodbye to his Afro hairstyle.