Local boy Michael has been growing his hair for three years to make a wig for sick kids

Three years ago, 12-year-old local boy from Killarney Heights, Michael,  was reading Stories for Boys who Dare to be Different by Ben Brooks and was inspired by Christian McPhilamy.

Christian, at age six, saw an advert on TV explaining that there are a lot of reasons children can lose their hair, one being they may be being treated for cancer.

He decided that the best way he could help was to grow his hair, cut it, and have it made into a wig for a child who needed it more than he did.

Michael fell in love with this concept and was so personally inspired by his achievement that he decided to do it himself and take the brave step to grow his hair and chop it off.

“I thought if he could do it, so could I! By signing up for the World’s Greatest Shave, I would be able to support those families facing Leukaemia by raising money and also cancer by being able to create wigs from my long blonde locks,” Michael told Manly Observer.

But the challenge hasn’t been without its problems with some people telling Michael he looks like a girl.  Michael wasn’t ruffled.

“It’s been an interesting three years, sometimes friends of my parents would tell me to cut my hair. I’ve been told I look like a girl just because of my long hair. I really didn’t let it bother me and every time someone challenged me, I would take the time to explain why I was growing my hair and why it was so important. A lot of the time, like Christian, when they found out why I was doing it, and that I am trying to do my bit to help sick kids, a lot of people felt bad and promised to support and sponsor me.

“Over the three years, I have been growing my hair, a good friend’s sister has been fighting this horrible disease of Leukemia. I also have a great Auntie who has been struggling with Leukemia for 20+ years. Knowing people who have been directly affected makes me even more determined to do my bit to try and support anyone in this situation.

On Friday, 1 April, in front of my school, Michael’s hair will be separated into ponytails so it can be cut in a way that can then be donated and made into wigs.

“My head will then also be shaved! There are also quite a few other kids from my school participating in this event, I feel so proud to go to a school that cares so much about others.

“I would be so grateful if you could sponsor me to give families facing blood cancer the emotional and practical support they need and fund vital research to help more people survive.”

To Support Michael click here to donate.