A TEENAGER who works at Cheshire Oaks is preparing to shave off his beloved 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 terminal 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, who works for Ben Sherman, 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 Zach 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 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 attend the races, Zach, Kyle, 25, and Arran, 13, decided to stop competing in his honour.
Paula, who thanked Zach’s employers and teachers for allowing him to shave his head, said: “I’m really proud of Zach, if his 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.
