Whanganui Corrections staff shave heads to support colleague with cancer

Five Whanganui Corrections staff have had their heads shaved in support of a colleague who has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Four Community Corrections team members and a Whanganui Prison officer wanted to raise awareness and funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation's "Blue September" campaign.

"It's a small price to pay to support others in their journey through cancer," probation officer Brenda Andrews, who organised Wednesday's event, said.

The other team members shared their reasons for taking part: "I've got a choice in this, people with cancer don't have a choice," senior community work supervisor Sandra Stewart said. Administration officer Nicola McElwain said she was showing her work colleague "I am there for him". Community work supervisor Alex Baumanis was doing it "for all the people I've lost to cancer". Corrections officer Charles Owens was "supporting the people who have cancer".

Corrections staff member Deirdre Thompson, a former hair stylist, and volunteer stylist Stephanie Cox wielded the hair clippers.

The event, which drew a crowd of supporters at Trafalgar Square, was livestreamed for their ill colleague so he could be part of it.

The team had raised about $2000 before the "Shave for Prostate Cancer" with more donations, including those made at the event, yet to be counted.