A BRIDGWATER youngster who battled through a rare illness lost his luscious locks for charity this weekend.

Twelve-year-old Ben Beacham, a student at Chilton Trinity, suffered from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) for two years while he was at primary school.

The condition is a chronic pain condition most often affecting one of the limbs (arms, legs, hands, or feet), usually after an injury or trauma.

CRPS is believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems.

There is no cure however young people like Ben are more likely to recover from the condition.

Having previously raised £650 for the Pain Relief Foundation through a sponsored 13 mile cycle ride and selling wristbands, Ben raised a further £150 with the head shave.

Ben's mother Liz Grey said: "Not many people have heard of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome but it can be very serious.

"We had never heard of it when he was diagnosed, it really shocked us. It ruined his life for a good couple of years.

"So this is not only about raising money but also raising awareness."

Ben's grandmother Pat Brown added: “We are very proud of him and what he is doing. We used to have to take him to school in a wheelchair, and when he was in real pain he would actually pull his hair out.

"He is a very brave boy."

For more information about CRPS go to www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Complex-Regional-Pain-Syndrome, and for more on the work of the Pain Relief Foundation go to www.painrelieffoundation.org.uk.