A TEENAGER is preparing to shave off his hair to thank doctors who gave him precious years with his terminally ill dad.

Doctors gave father-of-three Sean Burns just six months to live when he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in March 2007 – but using a pioneering treatment he defied the odds and managed to spend four more precious years with his family.

Now, on the second anniversary of his dad’s death 18-year-old Zach is preparing to shave off his hair in honour of the scientists, doctors and nurses who helped him spend valuable time with his adventurous dad.

Next month, the Helsby High School Sixth Form student, known for his bold hairstyles, will be watched by hundreds of students as he braves the clippers to raise hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research.

Zach’s mum Paula, a former hairdresser, said her son’s hair was his ‘pride and joy’ but he wanted to raise money so other children could spend time with their parents.

“We all knew the treatment he was given was never going to be a cure,” said Paula, who said the four years allowed the family to go on holidays and gave them ‘lots of special memories’.

“He wants to give some money back into the system to give other children the same chance. Hopefully one day down the line it might save someone’s life.”

Sean, a mechanic who was just 48-years-old when he died, loved spending time with his sons, competing in kart racing events across the country, going fishing, and restoring classic motorbikes.

But as their dad became too weak to attended the races Zach, Kyle, 25, and Arran , 13, decided to stop competing in his honour.

Zach, who works part time at Ben Sherman in Cheshire Oaks and enjoys scuba diving, spends his free time finishing off restoring the classic bikes his dad didn’t have time to finish before he died.

Paula, who thanked Zach’s employers and teachers for allowing him to shave his head, said: “When Sean was on chemo we tried to pretend that everything was normal but once he started losing his hair it was difficult for the children.

“I’m really proud of Zach, if is dad was here he would be really proud.”

Zach will be having his head shaved on March 26 at Helsby High School. To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/Zach-Burns or text SEAN63 to 70070