A MAMMOTH fundraising mission supporting a brave Basingstoke youngster thought to be the youngest in the UK diagnosed with testicular cancer has raised almost £3,000 in just one month.

Nine-year-old Jack Bristow, of Selby Walk, Popley, is now facing the battle of his life to beat the disease which usually affects men three or four times his age.

The Merton Junior School pupil was diagnosed with Seminomas, a testicular cancer germ cell tumour, and has since had his right testicle removed and has undergone two cycles of chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital’s Piam Brown ward.

Last week, friends and family of all ages showed their support for Jack by shaving their heads and those who couldn’t take that big step, chose to dye their hair bright purple – the colour used to symbolise testicular cancer campaigns – all to raise money for the Piam Brown ward.

Jack's aunties Samantha, who is known as “Mamfa”, and Emma Bristow, and Joe's best friend Vikki Clifford all shaved their heads, family friend Ryan Oates grew his hair and beard before shaving it off and Dan's friend Pete Shearman died his beard purple.

The youngster's uncle Andy Grice modelled a purple “Mohawk” to support the nine-year-old and Jack got to do the honours of waxing his godfather Craig Clarkson's chest in a bid to raise money for the Piam Brown ward.

Jack’s mum Joe told The Gazette: “We have been overwhelmed by the support shown to us. I have started to get emails from people I have never met before and we are being sent in photos of people shaving their heads.”

To donate to the appeal, visit justgiving.com/Joanne-Bristow/2 or text JDLB64 and insert the amount you want to donate to 70070.

More on this story