Exmouth schoolboy Billy Bond has raised more than £2,000 for the charity Scope by having his long hair cut for the first time in his life.

Billy, aged nine, wanted to fundraise in memory of his uncle Greg Deakin who had Down syndrome and died at the age of just 31 last September. Greg was a volunteer at Exmouth's Scope charity shop, and the charity was close to his heart.

Exmouth Journal: Billy Bond of Waverley Road in Exmouth underwent a sponsored chop on April 6 in memory of his uncleBilly came up with the idea of having his hair - which was almost waist-length - chopped off 'to honour my uncle Greggy and raise money for the charity he worked hard for, for so long'. 

The haircut took place at the Scope shop on Saturday, April 6. Teresa Dean, owner of Enigma Barbers, donated her expertise for nothing and also put £100 into the fundraising pot. Billy's hair, which was almost down to his waist, was chopped short as friends and family watched from both inside and outside the shop.

Exmouth Journal: Billy during and after the haircutAfterwards Billy said: "I was very nervous but I think it looks good and I like it. It feels strange but I'm getting used to it."

At the time of writing Billy had raised £1,877 through his JustGiving page and a further £136 in donations made on the day at the Scope shop. 

His mother Jennene Bond said: "We are extremely proud of him and so grateful to everyone for their kind donations."

The manager of Exmouth's Scope charity shop, Vanessa Guy, said: '’Greg was an amazing young man. He was passionate about volunteering, raising money and changing people's attitudes to disability. He brought fun and laughter to the shop each week as well as a touch of mischief. We know how proud he would be of Billy.”