‘Scissorman’ to take on Altra Yorkshire Marathon for the Little Princess Trust

Tim Wheeler, Chair of Trustees at The Little Princess Trust, is taking on the Altra Yorkshire Marathon to raise money for the charity. But he won't be running in standard marathon gear. Instead, Tim will tackle the 26.2-mile course dressed as a giant pair of scissors.

The Little Princess Trust provides real-hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair because of cancer treatment and other conditions, while also funding vital research into childhood cancers.

The idea for the unusual costume came during Tim's time as a headteacher. When he asked pupils what outfit he should wear for a fundraising challenge, they suggested a pair of scissors. The costume symbolises both the cutting and styling involved in creating the charity's wigs and the thousands of generous supporters who donate their hair to help children in need.

Inspired by the response, Tim has continued taking on marathons and half marathons across the country as "Scissorman", raising funds and awareness for a cause close to his heart. The challenges also give him the opportunity to speak to children and adults about the importance of fundraising, volunteering and taking on their own challenges to support charities.

This year's Yorkshire Marathon will be Tim's third appearance in York as Scissorman and his 22nd marathon completed in costume.

The outfit adds a significant challenge to an already demanding event. The giant scissors measure around two metres in length and weigh more than 7kg, making every mile that little bit tougher.

For Tim, however, the challenge is a small price to pay to support the children and families helped by The Little Princess Trust and to thank the many people whose hair donations make the charity's work possible.