Family members are preparing to shave their heads in support of a teenager with cancer.

Danny Joynes, 14, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia three months ago.

At first, doctors thought the ache in his legs was growing pains, but when they got worse he was taken to A&E, where a blood test revealed he had the rare form of cancer.

Since then he has been in and out of hospital, has been unable to attend his school, Folkestone Academy, and has embarked on an intensive course of chemotherapy.

Danny, who lives in Cheriton, near Folkestone, with his mum, Kerry Joyce, has also lost his blond hair.

His aunt, Sharon Henderson, from Great Chart, near Ashford, said: “He is very poorly and spending a lot of time in hospital.

“He is having rare reactions to the chemotherapy, which is making him hallucinate and very confused.

“When he is at home he’s barely allowed to leave the house or see his friends due to risk of infection with his low immunity.”

Mrs Henderson, along with her son, Luke D’Ath, 22, and Danny’s other aunt, Tracey Joynes, have organised a ‘Hair off for Danny Day’ during which they will all have their heads shaved to match Danny’s, and to raise money to support him and his family during his illness.

Mrs Henderson said: “I would like to raise funds to support Danny. He will need some paid-for care as he can’t be left on his own.

“If Danny’s response to the drugs improves then maybe he can have something to look forward to like a holiday.”

“I’m still in shock about Danny having leukaemia. After losing both our parents in the last two years, we don’t deserve it." - Mum Kerry Joyce

The event – being held at the Singleton Barn, in Hoxton Close, Singleton, on Saturday, July 25 from 1pm to 6pm – will also include a barbecue, clay-pigeon shooting, a bucking bronco, face painting, a bouncy castle and a raffle.

Everyone is welcome.

Other male family members will also have their chests and legs waxed.

Danny’s mum Kerry said she was very proud of her sister and all the other fundraisers, adding: “For a woman to shave her head is a big thing.

“I’m still in shock about Danny having leukaemia. After losing both our parents in the last two years, we don’t deserve it.

“Danny is at home at the moment but has to spend a lot of time in hospital.

“It affects the whole family, including his siblings. We are trying to be strong.

“The fundraising day at The Barn gives us something positive to focus on.

“I’m hoping Danny and I will be there on the day, depending on his medical needs.”

To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/wdd8rqg