An eight-year-old boy who spent two years growing out his hair for children in need has finally had the chop and donated the ponytails to Children With Hair Loss.
Christian McPhilamy from Florida made the decision to grow his hair until it was long enough to be donated for a wig, after seeing an advert for children's research hospital St Judes on TV.
His mother, Deeanna Thomas, shared photos of her son's before and after shots on Facebook, where they were shared hundreds of times.
Thomas said: "I'm so very proud of my son. He has done a beautiful thing. He amazes me everyday."
Christine Wong from Children With Hair Loss said: "It's definitely inspiring to see kids starting so young with wanting to help and do good deeds." She estimated that only 1 in 50 donations come from boys.
Christian's act of selflessness didn't come without obstacles, but Thomas has spoken out against reports that he was taunted by teachers and classmates, writing on her Facebook page: "I just have to say that while Christian did receive some bullying and was called a girl A LOT, that is not what his story was supposed to be about."
"It's supposed to be about what he did and the kindness and love for others that children have. My son never asked for recognition for what he was doing, he simply 'wanted to give a wig away and help another child,' in his own words."
"He was never taunted by teachers or classmates. His friends and teachers knew what he was doing and they supported him."