Katikati teens pay tribute to mum with community shave off

Cam Hankins (left), principal Carolyn Pentecost and Hamish Lorney. Photo/Supplied

When two Katikati teens shaved their heads for charity, they couldn't believe how many others joined them.

Best mates Hamish Lorney and Cam Hankins shaved off their long blond locks to raise money for Shave for a Cure yesterday.They were joined at Action Centre Katikati College by about 15 others who did the same, including Katikati College principal Carolyn Pentecost, Hamish said.

The former student said he half expected some friends at the school would join in but was surprised by just how many.

"Everyone came and wanted to shave their heads.

"It's wicked we all came together really well. We had a couple of teachers do the wax strips on their legs as well to raise money. I had a couple as well. It hurt."

But, Hamish said, it was all worth it.

Cam Hankins (left) and Hamish Lorney, before they shaved their heads for charity. Photo/Supplied

"I did it because of my mum. She passed away three years ago with breast cancer. So it didn't bother me. It was worth every bit of hair."

The newly shed locks were collected in two buckets, which Hamish and Cam hoped to donate towards charity.

"We are not too sure how that will go. It would be nice to give people wigs," Hamish said.

Together, the community's efforts raised more than $10,500.

Despite the cold shock to the scalp when he stepped outside, Hamish was elated.

"I'm in a bloody good mood. It feels nice to be doing something for the greater good."

Cam was also on cloud nine. It had been almost three years since he last had a haircut but "I've no regrets".

"It was such a perfect day," he said.

Cam, who is head boy at the college, said the support they received had been incredible, especially from the school principal.

Pentecost promised the teens if they could raise $6000 or more, she would shave her head as well.

They did. So she did.

"She went up after us. It was such an awesome day. The whole school seemed like they were at the action centre."

Cam said while his new - much shorter - haircut took some getting used to, he was happy.

"It's just hair, it grows back. We got the choice to shave our heads. Others don't."

Pentecost said everybody had been touched by cancer and the boys had shown great initiative.

"What they have done is great and I think I was just the golden carrot to get them the money that they deserve."

Pentecost said that apart from a slight fear her hair might grow back grey, she was not too worried.

"I've got a hat."

Where does the money go?

• Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand foundation receives no government funding. Funds raised pay for its core services such as patient support, research, information and advocacy. It is supported by voluntary donations such as those raised in shaving events.
• The organisation has a cost ratio of 75 per cent spent on outcomes, 15 per cent spent on fundraising, 10 per cent spent on administration. This means that 75 cents of every dollar spent is applied towards improving outcomes for patients and families across New Zealand impacted by a blood cancer diagnosis.
Source - shaveforacure.co.nz