A young boy from Woodbridge has cut off 16 inches of his hair in an effort to support two charities.

Joey Johnson underwent the chop the night before his 12th birthday, raising more than £300 in less than 12 hours overnight.

His hair will be donated to Little Princess Trust which provides real hair wigs free of charge to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer or other illnesses.

East Anglian Daily Times: Joey had been growing his hair for two yearsJoey had been growing his hair for two years (Image: Contributed)

The funds raised will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust - which Joey heard about when he was at Primary School.

"It was very scary," said the youngster.

"It had become a part of who I am so it was difficult. 

"But it was so worth it because I gave it to charity and I know that's a kind thing to do."

Joey had been planning the challenge for over two years, when he started growing his hair out for the cause. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The 12-year-old described the experience as very scaryThe 12-year-old described the experience as very scary (Image: Contributed)

Knowing how hard things were for people with the cost-of-living crisis, he decided he wanted to get it cut in time to send it off for Christmas and set up a small target on JustGiving.

His page reads: "On the day of my 12th birthday I will wake up with 16 inches of my hair cut off.

"I've been growing it for two years to do this and have even been bullied for it but know I'm doing a good thing.

East Anglian Daily Times: The 16 inches of hair will be donated to the Little Princess TrustThe 16 inches of hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust (Image: Contributed)

"I understand that at the moment everyone is short on money and especially because it's Christmas soon so I'm just hoping for a small donation of £1 from my family if they can.

"Hopefully because this page will be open a while I will get a few extra £1s along the way."

The 12-year-old shared the link on his mum's Facebook page and sent it to friends and family. 

Within the first half hour, he'd raised over £150, before waking up the next morning to find the figure had doubled.

East Anglian Daily Times: Joey's mum said she was so proud of himJoey's mum said she was so proud of him (Image: Contributed)

Joey's mum, Sarelle Payne, said: "I'm so proud of him.

"Every since he shaved his head for charity in 2016 he's been talking about doing something similar.

"He's always thinking of others and he's got such a kind heart."

Joey's JustGiving page has now hit £494 - 98% of his target of £500. 

You can donate to the fundraiser here.