Shaver knows value of support firsthand

Barely a few years after losing his hair to cancer, a Rangikura School 11-year-old has shaved his head to raise money for other children facing the sickness.

Reihana Rewita was one of seven involved with the school – including principal Eddie Uluilelata – who shaved their hair as part of a fundraiser for the Child Cancer Society last Thursday.

Rangikura School has two children who have had cancer. Both are in remission.

Uluilelata said the fundraiser was a way to honour them and their families.

‘‘ Today’s about kids like Reihana and Kaylah [Keating] and their parents and all of us who have felt the pain of cancer,’’ he said.

‘‘Hair grows back, so it’s a little nod to them and to show love and respect.’’

Uluilelata, who had dreadlocks until last summer, died his hair pink before having it shaved off.

‘‘The principal is usually the first one on the block. I just went with it straight away.’’

Reihana and his mother, Charmaine, organised the fundraiser.

‘‘So people who have cancer can get wigs,’’ Reihana said.

Charmaine Rewita joined her son and donated her long hair to Locks for Love to be made into a wig for a child.

She said cancer had made her realise every day counted.

The school raised more than $1000.