Trackside presenter loses his locks for cancer

Trackside presenter Brendan Popplewell is one of three planning to lose his locks for cancer on Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday. Photo / Supplied

On Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday, one of Trackside's highest-profile racing presenters is losing his locks for cancer.

After the last race Hawke's Bay man Brendan Popplewell is joining Aidan Rodley and Bevan Sweeney to shave their heads - if they can raise $6000 for the Cancer Society.

"We all spoke about it last week and decided to get involved, it's all for a great cause," he says.

Popplewell has a personal connection to the cause as he lost one of his closest friends to cancer.

"I lost a very close family friend a few years ago and that affected me deeply, it was around this time of the year as well.

"I also have an uncle who lives in Hastings who is suffering from cancer at the moment."

Although it's not going to be a great look for TV, Popplewell is determined to help those in need and raise as much awareness as he can when it comes to the silent assassin that is cancer.

"It's not a look that I'm particularly looking forward to - a shaved head," he laughs.

"I'm pretty confident my hair will grow back quite quickly. I know we're on TV but it doesn't bother me, it's more about what we're doing and raising money for a great cause."

Popplewell presenting alongside Rodley and Sweeney during the Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday on September 1 and if all goes to plan, they will have their heads shaved at the end of the last race.

"There's going to be a professional barber to whip it all off, I'm pretty sure it will be live on Facebook in the late afternoon."

People are able to make donations on a Givealittle Page TAB.co.nz/shave, the goal is to reach $6000.

"Personally, if we get to $3000, that in itself is a great achievement. I think we should still go ahead and do it."

Realising that his head will be a little chilly afterwards, Popplewell says he's going to whip out his cheese-cutter hat, which he's worn a few times on TV.

"I'll certainly be wearing that, maybe I'll get some different colours and some different designs.

"I might even get some cool stencil in the side of my head, it might be my time to do something quite radical."

Popplewell grew up in Waipukurau before attending St John's College.

He made his bright start in television for Hawke's Bay TV in 2004, filming a show on the races at Hawke's Bay.

Soon after he was picked up by Trackside television, working his way into his current role as senior presenter 13 years later.