Mitch Spriggs examines his new hairstyle after deciding to cut seven years of growth in aid of Gisborne-East Coast Cancer Society. As of this morning (Tuesday), he had raised $1006.
Mitch Spriggs examines his new hairstyle after deciding to cut seven years of growth in aid of Gisborne-East Coast Cancer Society. As of this morning (Tuesday), he had raised $1006.
Monday was a 27C day but teenager Mitch Spriggs may have felt cooler than most people in Gisborne after having his first haircut in seven years ... this one for charity.
The 13-year-old reached his target of raising $1000 for Gisborne-East Coast Cancer Society and his hair will be usedby the Cancer Society for wigs.
Mitch’s mother Rachel said the fundraiser was a success.
“There were no tears from him ... or me.“
Mitch said he had a triple cowlick, which made his hair grow “kind of crazy”.
“When I was little and it was shorter, it was really hard to get a style I was happy with. When it started to get a bit longer, it made it easier, so I just kept growing it.”
There were times when he got “mean” comments about his hair, he said.
I realised then that I wasn’t going to let anyone else choose who I was because it didn’t make me happy. I’m proud of what my hair was. It became a part of me for so long.”
“I had always planned to just grow it forever, but once I saw that there was an option to donate your hair for a wig for people with cancer, I realised that maybe I didn’t need it as much as someone else.
“If my hair was so important to me, imagine what it must be like for someone with chemo, who has to shave their hair off because they don’t have a choice.”
Mitch Spriggs takes one last look before the locks he had grown for seven years were cut off.
Mitch and his mother thanked everyone who made a financial contribution and Gayb Kirkpatrick, who donated her time and expertise to cut Mitch’s hair.
Donations can still be made online at www.youcanforcancer.org.nz/mitchieslegendarymopisgettingthechop
