Bold move to go bald for charity

Wairarapa College students, from left, David Bellamy, 13, Christian Neumann, 14, and Josiah Reid, 14, shaved their heads for charity. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Three Wairarapa College students have proven their dedication to caring about others.

David Bellami, 13, Christian Neumann, 14 and Josiah Reid, 14, shaved their heads at Ray's Barbershop in Kuripuni on Monday to raise money for the Wairarapa Cancer Society.

The best friends and cricket teammates took the bold move after Christian was inspired by photos of people shaving their heads for cancer last year.

"I did it because other people are unfortunate -- it raises awareness for cancer."

Christian's grandmother died of cancer and an aunt also suffers from the disease.

His classmates were disbelieving when they heard about the plan.

Reaction to the new look was mixed, with David noting "it's like carpet -- I'm going to get rug burn for the rest of my life".

Luckily Christian's mother, Jane Neumann, was on hand with bandannas and beanies.

Society manager Jeanine Gribbin said she was blown away by the boys' decision.

"I just thought 'wow' what a great thing to do. He [Christian] decided that he wanted to do it," she said.

"And it's a really interesting thing. It's a great thing for kids to do."

The boys also plan to take part in the Relay for Life fundraiser next March.

Money raised would go towards the centre's support services, which include driving patients to Wellington and Palmerston North for treatment, Ms Gribbin said.

All donations to the society are used in the region from where the funds came.

The organisation receives no government funding.