Students lose their locks for charity
The thought of going bald didn’t worry a group of Feilding High School students when it was in the name of raising money for fighting cancer. About 700 students packed out the school hall, giving a gold coin donation to add to the $9800 raised before the event.
Thirty-three students and two teachers had their heads shaved on Thursday, which was part of a fundraiser, Shave For a Cure for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
There were a few tears and some nerves as the clippers buzzed.
Teachers Jocelyn Bradley and Jed Stewardson-hill got in on the act, losing all their hair.
Bradley was inspired by the students and her friend Tracy Torok’s daughter Addie, who is 6 and has been in remission from cancer for five years.
Bradley’s 8-year-old son Blake got his mop cut too. Bradley had been nervous but had told students if she had raised $1000 she would get a completely shaved head, and because she reached her target she had to oblige.
Student Ffion Barr, 15, raised more than $1800 for the cause and she said it was a significant effort.
‘‘My mum has cancer and I said I wanted to do it last year,’’ she said.
An emotional Ffion had been growing her hair for a couple of years and had a couple of long plaits cut off with scissors, before the clippers were used on the rest.
Hannah O’brien, 16, raised more than $1000 and said it was ‘‘really scary’’ cutting her long hair, but it was for a good cause.
‘‘My sister did it five years ago, she cut her hair, so that inspired me to do it.’’
She was nervous beforehand but it was worth it.
‘‘It’s been a good effort from everyone. It’s a lot for everyone to give up.’’