BRAVE teenager Rhys Masters found out just weeks ago he has bone cancer – but he has already refused to sit back and feel miserable.
Two days after his diagnosis on October 2, the 14-year-old launched a campaign to raise funds for other young people fighting the disease.
On Thursday he had his hair shaved off and £590 was donated by his fellow pupils at Chosen Hill School. And in just over a fortnight he has raised a staggering £3,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The schoolboy, from Barnwood, is aiming to get one of the charity's specialist units opened in Gloucester.
Rhys said: "I'm coping with my diagnosis quite well I think.
"I thought instead of just letting my hair fall out why not do something about it?"
The Gloucester Martial Arts member added: "I went to Birmingham for my biopsy and they have a fantastic Teenage Cancer Trust facility there.
"There isn't one in the south west so I decided to raise money towards one.
"I have been surprised by the support as I had hoped for about £100 so getting £3,000 already is amazing."
His fighting spirit has inspired his three brothers, Jake, 25, Ryan, 10 and Rowan, six and several family friends to also have their hair shorn in a show of support.
Rhys' mum Dawn Masters said they first noticed something wrong when Rhys complained of a pain in his leg.
The 36-year-old said his diagnosis was a "total shock to the system" and added: "It was the most awful, painful feeling, knowing he's your son and you can't do anything to help him."
Rhys will undergo three months of chemotherapy at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and next year will have an operation to remove the tumour from his right thigh bone.
Dawn said: "He was absolutely distraught when he found out but two days later turned round and said 'right I'm going to shave my head for charity'. I'm so proud of him.
"It's quite humbling really."
Support Rhys' campaign by visiting www.facebook.com/Rhys MastersTeenAgeCancerTrust.
