A young Eltham boy with autism is set to have his 20.5 inches-long hair cut for the very first time next week.

Five-year-old Mikey Brown’s sensory needs mean he has always liked the feel of his long, blonde hair on his back and his face.

Mikey is cared for by his grandma Julie McSweeney – and around a month ago he told her he wanted to have his hair cut for the first time ever.

Julie showed her grandson a video of the Little Princess Trust, and he decided he wanted to donate his hair to the charity.

Grandmother-of-eight Julie told the News Shopper: “Mikey has said a few times over the last month that he really wanted to cut his hair but I kept asking if he was sure because I know how much it means to him.

“He said yes so I showed him the Little Princess Trust video because Mikey’s hair is so beautiful and I know it could be put to good use.”

Mikey will have his haircut on Tuesday, August 17 at Strand Barber Shop in Hook when the pair go and visit one of Julie’s daughters.

Julie added: “I’ll be honest I love plaiting his hair everyday so I have been more emotional than he is, “I just think it’s so lovely and so thoughtful.

“He feels very proud and he’s 100 per cent certain of his decision and understands where his hair is going.”

News Shopper:

Mikey has so far raised £450 for the charity – exceeding his £250 target.

Julie said: “All his family and friends have been so supportive.

“It just means the world to me that he’s doing this.”

To donate to Mikey's fundrasier for the Little Princess Trust click here.

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