A MOTHER and aunt from Redditch will be braving the shave for charity in support of a teenager who has been affected by juvenile and enthesitis related arthritis.

Lisa Osborne, 39, and sister Harriet Watts, 31, will have their hair shaved off in support of Lisa’s 15-year-old son Billy who was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of nine.

Billy spent time at Birmingham Children’s Hospital when he was first diagnosed, and was then introduced to a ‘breakaway’ weekend group for children at the same clinic.

Arthritis Care and Arthritis Research UK then took the sessions over, to help provide weekend breaks for children with all forms of arthritis, as well as help and guidance.

Lisa said: “Having a child with arthritis means watching them in severe pain and feeling totally helpless.

“Billy has never really been able to interact and socialise in the same way as his peers, due to the pain arthritis causes, and this has led him to feel endless frustration and very isolated.

“The charity also runs parent workshop days, information days and family days, which gives parents a chance to speak to others and gain confidence in the knowledge we aren't alone in our journey.

“They have been an absolutely invaluable resource.

“We are hoping to raise enough to give as a thank you for all their hard work and for the recognition they deserve for what they have given our family alone.”

The duo are aiming to raise around £2,000 through the shave, which takes place at The Bulls Head in Inkberrow on July 1, and a coffee morning at the pub on Friday, May 18, 10.30am till 1pm.

Lisa added: “Harriet cannot wait to have her hair shaved off whereas I'm more nervous, hair has always been a big thing for me!”

Anyone wishing to donate can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/lisa-osborne01.