A BRAVE schoolboy had his long locks chopped off to help other children who have lost their hair.

Sami El Jaghaoui, from Braintree, had been growing his hair for more than three years, since grandad Brian died after suffering a heart attack.

But the brave youngster has now had the big chop.

More than 13 inches of his hair was cut off for the Little Princess Trust to make wigs for children who have lost their hair undergoing cancer treatment.

The Lyons Hall Primary pupil also raised money for Heart Research UK in memory of his grandad.

Sami raised almost £600 at a fundraising night from raffle ticket sales, bingo and a tombola.

Mum Jade said: “Many local businesses supported Sami’s event by donating vouchers to the raffle – I just can’t thank everyone enough for their support.

“A huge thank you to Rida from M&F Traditional Turkish Barbers in Braintree.

“Without a doubt Sami has made us feel so incredibly proud.

“His determination and bravery through the past few years has been admirable. What started off as a gesture of goodwill resulted in him loving long hair.

“Friday was not just a hair cut. It was a huge deal – the boy with the long hair, the boy who had a story to tell.

“Friday came with an overwhelming sense of finalisation, taking away his identity.

“There were smiles, but of course there were tears.

“My son still does not realise the strength he has.

“He has shown such resilience over the past three years and grown such strength against those who were quick to judge. I could not be more proud of Sami.”

Sami’s grandad would have turned 75 on August 21, and Jade says he would have been immensely proud of what Sami has achieved.

Together with the money he has already raised on his JustGiving page, the current total raised is £1,081 and donations are still coming in.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/samishair.