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Former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan shaves off hair live on Loose Women for the Brain Tumour Charity in memory of his father

10:00, 13 April 2021

updated: 16:34, 13 April 2021

Former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan has shaved off his long hair live on television in a fundraising tribute to his father, who died of a brain tumour.

James, who lives in Sevenoaks with his wife and dance partner Ola, and their one-year-old daughter, took on the challenge for the Brain Tumour Charity today.

Wife Ola was ready with the clippers Picture: ITV
Wife Ola was ready with the clippers Picture: ITV

The tribute, which was broadcast live on ITV's Loose Women, comes after his father Allan Jordan died of a Stage 4 brain tumour on March 13.

Today marks exactly one month since Allan passed away and is also James' 43rd birthday.

James joked he would miss his locks but wife Ola was ready with the clippers in hand and had his head shaved in no time.

Speaking to the panel on loose women, James said: "I'm not normally superstitious, but I didn't want to cut my hair because if I did, I felt something bad would happen and now I want to use it as a positive in his memory.

"He is my hero and I'm going to miss him everyday.

"What my family watched him go through was truly horrendous which is why I want to raise awareness for every single charity out there.

"It's an experience I wouldn't want anyone else to go through.

"It would be the best birthday present if people could donate."

The funeral has been arrange for April 20.

The Medway-born dancer and TV personality first announced the fundraiser on Twitter on April 3 saying he struggled to return to social media following the tragedy, but felt the time was right to launch a fundraiser.

James with his dad Allan. Picture: James Jordan
James with his dad Allan. Picture: James Jordan

On the Just Giving page, he said: "Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 but are woefully underfunded.

"Less than 3% of the annual £600m spent on cancer in the UK is spent on this cancer and this has to change.

"I want to do all I can to stop other families going through the pain, distress and nightmare that dad, my family and I went through with my Dad's diagnosis, treatment and passing."

So far £11,882 has been raised of his £15,000 target.

The Brain Tumour Charity is the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.

To support James' fundraiser, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Sevenoaks

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