A boy who had cancer as a toddler has grown his hair for four years to donate it to charity.

Sebastian Stevens, now ten, was just 18 months old when he was diagnosed with a sarcoma of the bladder and prostate.

His treatment included surgery and during chemotherapy he lost his hair.

Sebastian, from Burgess Hill, is now cancer free but he has been left with damage to his bladder and kidneys so is on medication for life and has psychological support.

The Argus: Sebastian Stevens grew his hair for four yearsSebastian Stevens grew his hair for four years (Image: Natasha Penney)

In the lockdown of 2020 he decided to grow his hair out for The Little Princess Trust to make wigs for other children going through what he had experienced.

On Sunday, Sebastian cut off 11 inches of his hair at Reflex @42 salon in Keymer Road, Hassocks, to donate to the charity.

In total Sebastian has donated 43 inches of hair, more than a metre, the length of each of his plaits end to end.

The Argus: Sebastian Stevens had his hair cut on SundaySebastian Stevens had his hair cut on Sunday (Image: Natasha Penney)

His mother Natasha Penney said: “We are so proud to call him our son. He is a real life superhero.

“We talk about his cancer treatment a lot and the benefits of wigs for young cancer sufferers.”

Natasha held a charity event before lockdown and ten girls grew their hair and donated it to the Little Princess Trust.

“Then in lockdown, Sebastian decided he could grow his,” she said.

The Argus: Sebastian Stevens cut his hair off after growing it for four yearsSebastian Stevens cut his hair off after growing it for four years (Image: Natasha Penney)

“I am not used to it yet, it was a surprise when I saw him this morning with his short hair.

“I am beaming with pride, he is such lovely boy.

“We saw so much joy from the wigs with the other children, it gives them a bit of themselves back when they are going through hell.

Now that Sebastian has cut off his hair, he is hoping to raise £500 to split between two charities.

He has chosen Children With Cancer UK to research and support projects to find cures.

The other charity called Forward Facing is in East Sussex and supports families and children with terminal illnesses and those who have been left bereaved.