John Paul College students shave heads for leukaemia and blood cancer

Long locks fell to the floor for a good cause yesterday at John Paul College.

Three of the school's senior students shaved their heads at a school assembly as part of a fundraiser for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

For Fisher Wang, 17, it's a cause close to home. Fisher's mother died of cancer in 2014 and this was the third time he had taken part in the fundraiser.

Frances James, 17, Photo/Ben Fraser

"I think it was good cause there's a lot of people that live with cancer and we do our little bit to help. Every bit counts," Fisher said.

"It's a big deal for the two girls. It's a bit different now it's winter.

"I could do with some beanies."

Fisher said even though a shaved head was a visible display of support for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, it wasn't about showing off.

"It's for a good cause so to people who may be nervous to do it in front of the whole school I would say it's not an embarrassing thing, it's something you should be proud of and the school will be proud of you and the community will be proud of you."

Fisher Wang, 17, Photo/Ben Fraser

The trio was aiming to raise $6000 before the shave. They have raised roughly half that but donations are still open.

Frances James, 17, said she had always wanted to shave her head for the cause and the experience lived up to her expectations.

"I didn't have enough courage to do it last year but I'm in my last year of school now and thought I may as well do something memorable," she said.

Anna Douglas, 16, Photo/Ben Fraser

Anna Douglas, 16, the third person to shave their head, said it was a weird feeling to be bald.

"I've had long hair for a while. I just always wanted to do it and to raise money for charity," she said.

Go to shaveforacure.co.nz and search John Paul College to donate.