Deacon Strathdee is one good mate to have in your corner.
After growing his mullet for the past four years, the Ashtonfield Public School student pushed his nerves to the side, took a big sigh and bid his beloved long locks goodbye in front of hundreds of pupils, teachers and parents on Friday 1 September.
Even his relieving principal Sharon Moon acknowledged his hairstyle was “pretty epic”.
But, this wasn’t a vanity project for Deacon… far from it.
The youngster shaved his head for the coolest of reasons: his best friend, and fellow Year 6 student, Kane Ransom, a two-time cancer survivor himself.
Deacon’s selfless gesture has already raised $2,500 with more money expected to flow for the World’s Greatest Shave after he faced the chop this week.
“I’d been letting my hair grow for a while, just for something to do,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Kane’s fought and survived leukaemia twice, so this is a cause very close to my heart.
“That’s why I decided to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave.
“I want to help people, and their families, who are going through the same thing Kane did.
“I’m donating my mullet to make a wig and, hopefully, put a smile on someone’s face while raising funds, too.
“I’m kind of surprised by the response [to my fundraising] but I’m not surprised everyone’s been so supportive.”
Even though Deacon admitted he’d miss his mullet, he was pleased to assist others doing it tough.
“I’ll be happy and, maybe, a bit sad,” he said.
“I’ve really got used to it.
“However, it’s not the first time I have done something like this.
“About a year ago, we cut off the top – my hair was long everywhere – and sent it off to make wigs as well.
“So, it’s nice to know someone else will benefit.”
As for his teacher Heather May, she summed it up best.
“It’s a great thing Deacon’s done, we’re all very proud of him,” she said.
To make a donation, contact the school.
The event also marked the first day of Blood Cancer Month.
For more community stories:
- Cultural tourism program lauded with launch of Worimi art trail
- Newcastle turning purple for a worthy cause
- 100-year-old WWII Vet thanks ‘enquiring mind’ for longevity
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