SCHOOLBOY Theodore Curtis-Gee, of Watchet, put up with years of ribbing from classmates about his long hair, knowing that he would have the last laugh - and now he has.

Theo’s haircut, carried out at Reks Barber Shop, Minehead, raised more than £600 for charity.

He also provided more than 16 inches of his blond locks for free wigs for children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment and other conditions.

Despite being diagnosed with autism, 13-year-old Theo lives a full and busy life, playing football for Watchet FC, and was offered a contract at Weston-super-Mare’s football academy.

He also represented Taunton Athletic Club in contests in Exeter and is involved in Watchet Sea Scouts activities and fund-raising for several charities.

His mother, Jessica Curtis, said Theo decided to donate his hair after hearing about the Little Princess Trust charity which has been providing wigs of real hair for youngsters since 2005.

Ms Curtis said: “He got in touch with the trust, put a donation page online, and raised £500 in just 24 hours.

“His teachers at Danesfield School, Williton, all donated and Theo was thanked at assembly when he had to stand up in front of the whole school.”

Theo said: “I decided to grow and donate my hair to help others who were going through a difficult time.

“I hope my hair and the money I raised will help somebody get a wig and boost their confidence.

“I think that is super-important.

“I have grown my hair for five years and loved having a top-knot but it was challenging going through school with kids making unkind comments.

“But having it cut to make wigs for the Little Princess Trust was something I wanted to do and I was not going to let silly comments stop me.”

Well-wishers donated more than £8 million to the charity last year to provide wigs costing up to £700 which are given free to youngsters.

A trust spokesperson said in many cases, losing hair can be almost as traumatic as being diagnosed with cancer, and that a youngster’s confidence and morale is given a huge boost by a custom-made wig.

They said: “We are so grateful for the hair donations we get.”

Ms Curtis said her son has supported autism charities after his sisters Luna and Arabella and brother Elis were all diagnosed with the condition.

Luna and Arabella were found to be autistic within six months of each other.

Ms Curtis said: “Theo was determined to do something positive and he and I did a walk for autism research taking 20,000 steps a day for seven days, including at Glastonbury Tor and Cheddar Gorge.

“He also takes part in fund-raising car washes organised by the sea scouts.”

Theo is currently training for a British Heart Foundation charity run in honour of his grandfather, Andy Crees, who died in 2022.

Ms Curtis said: “He was a huge part of Theo’s life, went to his football matches, and was his biggest supporter.“

We will be cheering Theo on for this one.”