Close shave for charity

Having an annual hair trim has turned into a major event for Hamilton 18-year-old Everett Norris.

Instead of a once-over-lightly on his shoulder length-plus auburn locks, Everett will be shorn and shaved.

His crowning glory will be lost tomorrow in front of hordes of cowboys, cowgirls and spectators at the International Rodeo at Claudelands Arena.

His loss will be CanTeen's gain. A collection will be made at the rodeo and anyone can make online donations. Teen cancer support organisation CanTeen is for anyone between the ages of 13 and 24 living with cancer.

The self-funded group provides a relaxed, friendly and fun environment where young people can share thoughts and feelings with counterparts affected by cancer.

The idea for Everett to turn his haircut into a public spectacle as a CanTeen fundraiser came from fellow homeschool student and CanTeen member Paul Ferry-Parker.

Paul is close to CanTeen as he was part of his brother's successful battle with a type of lymphatic leukaemia.

"If you're going to lose your hair, you may as well do it for a good cause and generate some funds along the way," says Paul.

Everett is philosophical about his impending baldness.

"I had my last haircut about a year ago. I was only going to have a bit of a trim and tidy up.

"Shaving it all off for CanTeen seems a good idea."

Send you donations to www.canfans.org.nz/cause/thedaythehairstoodstill Everett says he will be putting up a video of the shave on the same site.