PENOLA’S sole tattoo artist will lose eight years worth of dreadlocks next month as he aims to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Bronte Cox will shave his head in the coming weeks in an attempt to raise more than $2000 for the only national charity in Australia dedicated to helping individuals with blood cancer and disorders.
Mr Cox said his original fundraising target was $1000, but he quickly reached the figure and was encouraged to double his goal.
His participation in the World’s Greatest Shave is motivated by his friend’s son who was diagnosed with leukaemia at a young age.
“Now he is around 20 years old and is as much a true hero as others who understand the fight and struggle of this horrible disease,” he said.
“He is also only one of many people I have heard of – either through my career – or in conversations with others who have suffered.”
Mr Cox said he had waited to trim his dreads as he hoped to do it for a good cause.
“I also thought the foundation can have them if they want afterwards to make wigs for those who have lost their hair through treatment,” he said.
“My hair can always grow back, but we do not want cancer to come back at all.”
Mr Cox said he was overwhelmed by the widespread community support.
“The fact that we have reached our goal so quickly was amazing and shows how much support we have from the community and distant clientele,” he said.
“We are now hoping to reach $2000 or more before the big night, but any donation is appreciated.”
The night will include crazy hair colouring and a raffle in efforts to maximise the amount raised.
Mr Cox will shave his hair at the Prince of Wales Hotel on March 14 at 7pm.
