A selfless teenager from Colney Heath has shaved off all his hair to honour the memory of a family friend who died of cancer.

Herts Advertiser: Spencer with his family. Picture: Jim WhittamoreSpencer with his family. Picture: Jim Whittamore (Image: Archant)

Allan Root was living with his wife Emma and son Thomas in Australia in May 2014 when he lost a nine month battle with cancer.

By the time he died, tumours had spread across much of his body.

To honour Allan’s memory and to raise money for cancer research, Emma and Thomas this year put forward a cycling group called Team Fred for the Perth Ride to Conquer Cancer.

This is a two day, 200km cycling event which raises money for a scientific research lab called the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

Herts Advertiser: Spencer before his charity shave Picture: Jim WhittamoreSpencer before his charity shave Picture: Jim Whittamore (Image: Archant)

As a family friend, 14-year-old Verulam School student Spencer Wiltshire was disappointed that he could not join Team Fred on the other side of the world and instead decided to raise money by going bald here in the UK.

Clint Wiltshire, Spencer’s dad, said: “He has done fund raising before and it’s just another one he wanted to do, and he’s young enough that his hair grows back quickly!

“We are very proud of him, he’s a good kid. He’s quite enjoyed having a shaved head because it’s nice and cool for him.”

Spencer has already raised about £1,200 for the Harry Perkins institute and other charities.

Herts Advertiser: Spencer having his head shaved. Picture: Jim WhittamoreSpencer having his head shaved. Picture: Jim Whittamore (Image: Archant)

In the past he has held cake sales for various causes, including children’s charities and for motor neurone disease.

When Spencer turns 16 he would like to do a sponsored skydive, but this has not been finalised.

Clint said Allan was best-man at his wedding and Godfather to his eldest son, Spencer’s 26-year-old brother. Allan would have been 51 this year.

“He was hard working and very sincere. He was my best friend since we were 13-years-old - we grew up together,” Clint added.

Hairdresser Kelly Ward shaved Spencer at Colney Heath Football Club on July 31.

Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research is Australia’s leading adult medical research centre, with more than 250 scientists working to defeat major diseases. For more information, visit www.perkins.org.au/The Perth Ride to Conquer Cancer takes place from October 13 to 14. For more information, visit perth.conquercancer.org.auTo donate to Spencer’s shave, email Clint on wiltshirec98@aol.com