Johnny Vegas, Paul Wellens, Linzi Prescott and Neil Prescott take to the stage to chop off Saints star Sia Soliola's long locks in aid of Steve Prescott Foundation
12:49pm Wednesday 7th May 2014 in NewsBy Andrew Kilmurray, News editor
Steady there Johnny: Vegas, in his role of barber, lops off one of Sia’s plaits (pic Robbob)
SIA Soliola has finally shed his thick mop of hair – with a little help from his friends such as Saints skipper Paul Wellens and comic Johnny Vegas.
The giant Samoan had not cut his locks since his son Israel was born two and a half years ago but finally underwent the chop on Saturday in aid of the Steve Prescott Foundation.
And a few special guests were on hand to do the honours in front of hundreds of onlookers who gathered at Taylor Park for the charity’s Irn Bru challenge extravaganza.
Wellens and Vegas were joined by Steve’s widow Linzi, eldest son Taylor and brother Neil who each lopped off plaits from the mazy hairstyle Sia had sported at the park.
Mandy Millar, owner of Classy Cuts, then finished the job after tackling the remaining mop with her dubbers.
Asked how he felt afterwards the Langtree Park fans’ favourite joked: “A bit cold!”
But, after ending up with pieces of his son’s Lego and rugby pitch turf regularly lodged in the thicket of hair, the big forward will benefit from a more streamlined appearance.
He later added that Vegas joining the cutting team was among the day’s highlights.
Sia’s efforts have so far raised more than £1,700 for the foundation.
Meanwhile, the sun shone brightly as hundreds of families watched various teams compete in events such as dragon boating and zip wire.Some of his plaits were raffled for charity while others will also be donated to a charity that makes wigs for children with cancer.
Jamm Studios hosted a collection of local musical performers on stage.
