At just 17, Shane has done something bold… and bald… for a cause that’s close to his heart.

On 11th September, Shane shaved his hair off to raise money for Caritas Care’s Fostering Support Service – the team who supported him through foster care and his struggles with mental health.

While he admits he was nervous beforehand, Shane’s focus never wavered from what really mattered.

"I was nervous," Shane said, "but I knew I was doing it for a good cause."

Shane entered foster care when he was just five or six years old. His early life wasn’t easy, but thanks to the support of his foster carers and Caritas Care, he found the strength to move forward.

"Caritas Care helped me out, so did my Foster Carers, Leanne and Richard and everyone else," he said. "They’ve been a massive help."

It was this support that inspired him to give back in the most visible way possible – by losing his much-loved locks.

"My friends used to call me Jack Grealish because of my hair," Shane laughed. "But I wanted to do something that would make a difference. I want others to have the same opportunities I did, especially with mental health support for young people in care."

By braving the shave, Shane is not only raising vital funds but also challenging the misconceptions surrounding children in foster care.

"People think all kids in care are trouble," he explained. "But that’s just a stereotype. That’s what I want to break."

Shane’s courage is already making an impact – but he’s hoping even more people will get behind him donate. Every pound raised will go towards Caritas Care’s fostering and mental health support services helping provide stability, guidance, and hope for young people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.

"I’ve done my bit, now I’m asking for your help," Shane said. "Please support me so together we can support more young people’s mental health."

If you’d like to support Shane’s shave and the work of Caritas Care, you can donate via our website.

Join Shane in making a difference, so more young people in foster care know they’re not alone.