$7000 haircuts for cancer

The "Mop Chop for Poppa" fundraiser has raised almost 30 times its original goal, thanks to generous donors.

Greytown boy Ceejay Dennes started the fundraiser at the start of July to show his support for his granddad Neil Smith, who has terminal cancer.

Ceejay has raised $7306.50 with the help of his younger brother Koby, aunt Vicky Smith Butters and family friend Hennie Oosthuysen.

They all had their hair shaved off last Friday and donations flooded in from the Greytown community and online.

Ceejay and Koby, said everyone at school loved their new haircuts. "My teacher loved it," said Ceejay.

Yesterday, Ceejay presented the money to the Cancer Society Wairarapa.

Ceejay started out wanting to raise $250 for Cancer Society Wairarapa and has soared past the original goal.

The society's centre manager, Jeanine Gribbin, said it was absolutely amazing. "He's absolutely fantastic, an awesome boy. I think it's a testimony to the family and their place in the community."

She also thought one of the reasons the fundraiser was so successful was that it was such a selfless act by Ceejay.

Ceejay has also helped Ms Gribbin voice a radio ad for the upcoming Daffodil Day in August.

Ms Gribbin surprised Ceejay and his younger brother Koby with a cricket set when they dropped off the money to congratulate them on their effort.

She said the money will go towards supporting people with cancer and their families in Wairarapa.

It can be really tough for everyone, said Ms Gribbin. "The little kids really struggle with a [grandparent's] cancer diagnosis."

The centre provides transport to treatment appointments, counselling, workshops, and therapy. A specialist cancer nurse is also available.

A new drop-in service would also be available from August 6.