Last Saturday afternoon at 2 pm, one of the College's third-year Members, Thomas Powell, bravely had his locks shaved to raise funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer (LBC) New Zealand.
Shave for a Cure is LBC's signature fundraising event. To date, 1,501 shavees from across the country have whipped out the clippers and raised $983,972.
According to LBC's website, shaving is "an inspiring way to help fund research, and
provide vital care and resources for the 2,500 people affected that LBC
works with every year, and every dollar raised is another important step
in the search for a cure." Each day, six Kiwis are diagnosed with a blood cancer or related condition.
Before the shaving began on the sunny afternoon in the College's courtyard, Thomas recited a poem he had written specially for the event:
Hello my hairy friend
We have been together for a long time
We grew up together
I guess I could say you are a part of me
We have been through some woolly situations together
I guess you could say it was quite hairy
But recently I have noticed we have had a falling out
We are falling apart
It's time to cut you short
College Member Alex Dykes had the honour of using the clippers, in front of a good crowd of supporters. I think it was more difficult than he imagined, due to the thickness of Thomas' hair! Being the good sport he is, though, Thomas endured the slowness (and some pain) of the shaving with characteristic good natured humour, banter and wit.
Once Alex had completed the major part of the shave, Fellow Members Anika Durrheim and Liam Heath kindly finished the job and a new man was revealed.
As at the time of writing, Thomas' friends and family had donated $1,295, exceeding his $1,000 goal by 29.5%. Many of the donations were made by Members of St Margaret's College.
Thank you Thomas for your fantastic, brave and admirable effort for such a worthy cause. The new style also suits him really well.
(Story by the Master, Dr Charles Tustin)
