University of Plymouth Player's Fundraising Mission for the Little Princess Trust

Rhys ‘Bob’ Dumper (right) is shaving his head for a very deserving charitable endeavour

In an inspiring act of goodwill, one University of Plymouth lacrosse player has embarked upon a remarkable three-year-long journey in making a difference to the lives of others.

Throughout his time at university, Rhys Dumper (or ‘Bob’, as he is known in the team) has been on a mission to grow his hair for a very important and worthwhile cause: the Little Princess Trust. The charity, which has been transforming the lives of young people across the country since its inception in 2005, provide real hair wigs to under 24 year olds who have lost their hair due to medical circumstances.

It is a cause particularly close to Bob’s heart- and he has been working towards his hair length goal for as long as he has played with the club- who have witnessed and supported his progress along the way. Bob’s commitment to his goal has been championed by all who play with him- from teammates to coaches- and now players have rallied behind him as he turns his attention towards fundraising.

The date for the ‘big chop’ has been set for no other than the day before their end-of-season Varsity game, with Bob raising donations to the charity during the build-up, in recognition for shaving his hair. In an exclusive open letter, Bob has shared his ambitions and stressed the need to raise awareness for such a vital and worthwhile cause. Read on below, to hear what a small sacrifice he believes it to be.

University of Plymouth Lacrosse Club have started the donations off strong, with many of Bob’s teammates embracing the endeavour and already exceeding his fundraising target. Bob’s initial aim was to raise a total of £69 for the charity- in recognition of his playing number- but that goal was exceeded within the first twenty-four hours of his Just Giving page going live.

While the anticipation continues to build, Bob’s club eagerly await the moment his signature style is snipped and sent away to create wigs for children and young people in need. James Stansbury, University Lacrosse Officer for the University of Plymouth describes Bob as “an absolute gem” with “a heart of gold”, although many lament the pending loss of his locks!

England Lacrosse are inspired to hear of Bob’s positive impact beyond the lacrosse field and hope such a selfless act brings him and the team all the very best of luck in their Varsity game. If you would like to support Bob in his fundraising efforts for the Little Princess Trust, you can find his donation page here.

Hello,

I'm Bob, a Master's Student at the University of Plymouth and an active member of Plymouth University Lacrosse Club. At 25, I've been on quite the journey over the past three years, growing out my hair with a purpose—to donate it to The Little Princess Trust.

Along the way, I've encountered some unexpected adventures, like getting my nipple pierced instead of getting a mullet in 2022 when all other members did for Movember, and the humorous observation that I resemble a little girl when I run.

The mission of The Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs to individuals undergoing medical challenges such as cancer and alopecia, holds significant personal importance to me. The opportunity to brighten someone's life during their difficult journey is a privilege I am grateful to participate in.

I am reaching out to request your support through donations, which will contribute not only to the creation of wigs from my own hair but also to support others who generously donate theirs. My fundraising goal is set at £69, symbolizing my Lacrosse playing number, a sport I will be retiring from this year after 6 years of playing.

I urge each of you to contemplate the impact of either growing out your hair for donation or contributing to charitable organizations like The Little Princess Trust. The act of giving not only benefits those in need but also offers a unique opportunity to make a difference effortlessly.

Furthermore, I advocate for blood donation as another impactful way to contribute. By donating blood bi-annually, one has the potential to save a life. Additionally, the added benefit of burning 650 calories while indulging in biscuits is a noteworthy incentive.

Remember, both hair and blood replenish, so let's make a difference together by giving generously.

Bob