Levi's loss other kids' gain

Shaving their heads for a good cause were Levi Watchorn (centre), 8, with his dad Wayne Watchorn (left) and grandfather Barry Ngawhika. Photo/Supplied

A need for a haircut has led an 8-year-old boy to raise more than $1000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Levi Watchorn of Mamaku deals with his own health challenges with Type 1 diabetes but said he wanted to do something to support other children in hospital.

A conversation with his mum about getting a haircut turned into Levi taking part in the Shave for a Cure - Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand's signature fundraising event.

Not only has he raised $1279 to date but he was also able to convince his dad and grandfather to shave their hair as well once he hit the $1000 mark.

"I know my disease is not as bad as cancer. I've been in hospital as well and it's not fun at all going there, so that's why I wanted to help the other kids," Levi said. "It was exciting when dad and my granddad did it too because I knew I wasn't the only one helping them."

Money has been raised through the Shave for a Cure fundraising page online with donations from family and church members, a local day care centre and teachers at Mamaku School.

Levi said he would keep the page active until the end of the year and hoped to raise $5000.

His mother, Rachel Watchorn, said she was "very proud" of her son's efforts.

"It's a big thing, I don't know many children his age that would shave [their heads].

"We were joking about getting his head shaved and then talked about Shave for a Cure and he said that's what he wanted to do," Mrs Watchorn said. "I told him, have a think about it and if you want to write down the reasons why.

"He wrote that he deals with his own health issues with getting his finger pricks and injections and wanted to help. Dealing with diabetes has been a blessing for his character. He's responsible and grown up for his age."

Levi's donation page can be found at www.shaveforacure.co.nz - search for Levi Watchorn.