Volunteers brave the shave to help teenager Ellen Houghton

The team behind Lords of the North on Barbauld Street opened up the doors of the barber shop on Sunday for the charity shave to help a teenager from Burtonwood. 

Many of the staff turned up on their day off to raise money to help fund a once-in-a-lifetime trip for Ellen Houghton.

The teen is currently facing the fight of her life as she battles bone cancer following her diagnosis at the age of 15.

The Great Sankey High School pupil first started to struggle with a knee problem after she fell during a PE lesson in October.

At first it was believed the pain in her knee was caused by a tweaked cartilage and the 15-year-old started a course of painkillers.
But as the pain mounted, Ellen and her mum requested an MRI scan.

Three weeks after the scan, the family were told the heart-breaking news that Ellen has osteosarcoma in her knee – a rare type of bone cancer.

As the family’s lives were turned upside down, Ellen’s loved ones vowed to stay positive.

Earlier this year, the Warrington Guardian published a plea to help make Ellen’s dreams come true.

A fundraising page was launched to raise funds to treat the youngster to a holiday once the treatment is complete.

As part of the fundraiser, Sam Bate, Rachel Morley, Rachel Taylor, Kevin Jackson and Jimmy McPartland shaved their heads to raise money for the cause.

Almost £5,000 has been raised so far through generous donations and fundraisers.

Now the family are waiting for Ellen to undergo surgery.

“Ellen has had a few ups and downs but she is at home at the moment,” said Ellen’s stepdad Nick Vaughan ahead of the charity shave.

“The next thing to happen is her knee replacement at Birmingham Orthopaedic on August  30 but that could be brought forward if there is an opportunity to do so.”

Nick also issued a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has generously decided to help the fundraising campaign.  

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/EllenHoughton.