Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Former US President Bush shaves his head

George H. W. Bush, father of George W., goes bald to support a sick child

Adam Withnall
Thursday 25 July 2013 05:08 EDT
Comments
President George Bush Senior has shaved his head to support a young child with leukaemia
President George Bush Senior has shaved his head to support a young child with leukaemia (AFP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former US President George Bush Senior has shaved his head to show support for a child suffering from leukaemia.

The 89-year-old Republican made the bold decision to be rid of his familiar grey locks after he saw that all the members of his Secret Service security detail had just done likewise.

One of the agents has a two-year-old son currently undergoing treatment for the cancer, and is losing his hair as a result.

And in a display of solidarity, the president and his men got the clippers out earlier this week at his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine.

A spokesman for Mr Bush identified the young boy only as Patrick, and said the security detail had launched a website, , to help pay for his treatment.

George and Barbara Bush lost their second child, 4-year-old Robin Bush, to leukaemia almost 60 years ago.

Mr Bush was the 41st president of the US, serving a single term from 1989 to 1993.

He is the father of fellow former President George W. Bush, and was himself only discharged from hospital in January, after spending two months being treated for bronchitis.

President Bush Senior, still with his hair, next to Barack Obama
President Bush Senior, still with his hair, next to Barack Obama (AP)

President George Bush Senior with his security detail, and two-year-old Patrick
President George Bush Senior with his security detail, and two-year-old Patrick (AP)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in