A mullet that has been growing since New Zealand’s first Covid-19 lockdown has been lopped off for a worthy cause.
Carson Fletcher and his mum Jen had the idea to donate his “awesome blonde hair” to Freedom Hair, a company in Dunedin that makes wigs for people who have experienced hair loss from cancer treatment.
In September – Child Cancer Awareness Month – the locks were finally lopped off and more than $2500 was raised for the Child Cancer Foundation.
“This has been a massive achievement for me,” Carson said, “and I am so appreciative of all the support I have received.
“It has been a very grounding, humbling experience for me and I would definitely encourage others to do the same or something similar to help others in need. It makes me feel good to know that [the hair] will go to kids and their whānau to help them through the tough times of the cancer battle.”
Carson, a Year 9 at Thames High, got his mullet chopped at school and invited some important people in his life to help with the makeover.
They included Taryn Baines, Mitch Murphy, David Harrison, Raewyn Grey, Millar Morton, Tyla Pere and mum Jen.
Tyla Pere, Carson’s barber from Makawae Hair, also grew his hair and donated it in support.
“It was also really cool ‘cause the school kapa haka did a haka to tautoko my efforts. It was a great way to finish the mullet being cut off.”
Mum Jen said she “couldn’t be prouder” of her son.
“He is a humble young man who is always looking to help others, and when he came up with this, I was in full support.”
But when it comes to the question of missing the identifiable mullet, Carson and Jen are of two minds.
“I don’t miss my mullet because it was getting to the annoying point and was very high maintenance,” Carson said.
“I do miss the mullet a little bit, especially when watching him on the rugby field,” Jen added.
“I can’t see his flowing blonde locks anymore so sometimes he’s hard to see.
“One of the good things about it being gone is my conditioner bill has dropped dramatically.”
DETAILS: Even though the fundraiser has closed, people can still donate directly to the Child Cancer Foundation through their website: childcancer.org.nz
Carson Fletcher, a Year 9 at Thames High, got his mullet chopped at school and invited some important people in his life to help with the makeover. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Carson’s mullet lopped off for cancer
