Big-hearted Temari a charity champ
Eight-year-old Temari Southcott’s first hair cut was an act of generosity that will brighten the lives of Australian children.
Temari’s hair measured 1.2 metres before a big chop at Horsham’s D’coco Hair Studio last week.
She will donate her locks to be made into wigs through charity Variety for someone who has lost their hair due to a long-term medical condition.
Her mother Adina King said Temari was a mix of ‘nerves and excitement’ on the day of her ‘Hair for Heart’ cut, but was ready to see her hair go.
“She was nervous because she has never had short hair,” Ms King said.
“She was born with about four centimetres of hair and she has never had a haircut.
“She has had it trimmed, a few millimetres when she was younger and little bits from the bottom.
“But from the top of her head to the bottom was about 1.2 metres.
“She just said, ‘Mum, I’m ready to do it’.”
Temari said she was inspired to cut her hair after seeing another young girl complete the act a few years ago.
“I was watching the TV in the morning and saw a girl shave her head for cancer,” she said.
“And that is where my journey started.”
The process took two hours, with friends and family watching as D’coco’s Michelle Morris plaited and cut Temari’s hair.
Mrs Morris congratulated Temari on her commitment.
“It is probably one of the longest lengths of hair I have ever cut,” she said.
Ms King admitted she was slightly nervous about the change herself, but said it would be good to escape braiding duty for a little while.
“We normally put it into a long braid or plaits for school,” she said.
“She has had to sit down for around three hours at times because she has wanted it put into little braids.
“It is difficult because she does swimming too, and it could get quite heavy.
“But now she will be able to wear her hair out for the first time.”
Temari was a member of Horsham and District Relay for Life team ‘Just Us Humans’ at the weekend.
This is her first year participating and she was one of the top monetary contributors for the event, raising about $1000 for Cancer Council.
Relay for Life involved teams walking laps at Dock Lake Reserve, near Horsham, on Friday and Saturday.
Temari raised money through Facebook, connecting with family, friends and workmates who were keen to cheer her on.
Ms King said Temari was excited to participate in the event, ‘campout’ and be with her friends.
“I am just proud. She is doing well for her age,” she said.
“I am happy she has got such a good nature to do something for someone else like this.”
And Temari’s reaction when she saw her new hair in the mirror?
“Oh, I like that.”