Shave for a Cure attracts four “shavees”
Teacher Andrew Wooster losing his crop of hair. Photo: Ina Holst
Central Takaka students didn’t have to be asked twice to help hairdresser Jenny Molloy shave heads for Shave for a Cure, a nationwide initiative to help those suffering from cancer.
The four brave adult “shavees”, who have been collecting money for parting with their locks, have all been affected by cancer at some level, and had personal stories to tell.
Teacher Andrew Wooster, above, decided to lose his crop of hair because he has a close friend suffering from melanoma.
“I have been ‘saving’ my hair for this occasion and it’s school holidays soon, so I’ve a few days to recover. I have a friend in Wellington who has been diagnosed with melanoma, which started with a mole on his leg 10 years ago and is now stage four, which means it’s terminal,” said Andrew.
“We are fundraising for those who have a form of blood cancer and in support of those who lose their hair because of the treatment. This is also good role modelling by adults to children about how we can help—which is not just monetary. There are four of us and together we made between $700 and 800. We keep collecting this week and finish on Sunday.
“A lot of people are affected by cancer and most people know at least somebody personally who has cancer, which is why people have given so generously. I was offered $50 each for my sideburns on the internet.”
First held in 1999, Shave for a Cure has grown into a national movement. The money raised will go to the charitable Leukaemia and Blood Foundation (LBF) to fund core services such as patient support programmes, research, information, awareness, advocacy and support for patients and their families.
The LBF’s goal is to get 10,000 people shaving—one for every person living with a blood cancer or blood condition in New Zealand. Anyone can Shave for a Cure, including artists, businesses, celebrities, hairdressers, medical professionals, individuals, families, schools, sports teams, social organisations, universities and many more. For more information see shaveforacure.co.nz
Ina Holst
