FORMER Blackburn Rovers midfielder and qualified barber Craig Conway was a cut above the rest with his razor sharp skills to raise cash for a charity and a little girl with a rare form of cancer.

Officials from Gelston Manor Nursery in Chorley held a superhero week and Mr Conway gave up his services to help four-year-old Ruby West, who is in the same class as his daughter.

The Scottish international, who lives in Buckshaw Village, did his bit for the cause by cutting the hair of Simon Capper from the nursery, Ruby’s dad Darren and grandfather Paul Wareing.

Mr Conway, 34, posted on his Instagram account: “Hair clippers were out again in support of the bravest little girl (Ruby)who has been diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer, who is in the same nursery class as my daughter. 

“Gelston manor nursery has been doing amazing things every day this week to raise funds to support the charity and Ruby’s family.”

The nursery expects to raise more than £5,000 from the week’s events, with Mr Conway’s efforts bringing in £150.

Neil Ward, owner of the nursery, said: “We were given the tragic news that Ruby from the nursery has been diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer called Retinoblastoma. In an effort to raise funds for the family and the Eye Cancer Trust fund we hosted events last week.

“Friday was the finale and we had lots going on including a hot dog stand, local guitarist Jake Heaton and it was great to give people the opportunity for a headshave.

“It was really good to have Craig down and volunteer his services as a qualified barber to cut hair.

“It was a lovely event. We had lots going on throughout the week, including a bouncy castle, and a visit from Lightning McQueen and then Batman and Lego Batman came.

“We had some fantastic prizes for the raffle including a seven night holiday courtesy of Eurocamp, who sponsored the event.

“There were some wonderful acts of generosity from local businesses and people alike.

“It has been amazing how so many people have supported us and they wanted to raise money for the family and the charity.

“We have managed to raise £4,120 so far and there is still money coming in. We had set a target of £5,000 and we think we may pass that.

“It just shows that the community has come together to support Ruby and her family.”

The nursery also held bake sales, strength tests, welly throwing, tyre flipping, a silly glasses day and an afternoon tea party.

Retinoblastoma is a rare form of cancer that rapidly develops from the immature cells of a retina.
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gelston-manor-retinoblastoma