Mitch Gardner has sported long blonde hair since his high school days but next month they will be lopped off as he endeavours to raise money for breast cancer research in support of his mum.
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The 23-year-old will have his head completely shaved on Saturday, June 8 as part of a fundraising campaign for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
"It's just hair but I've had long hair since high school. To mum especially it's a big thing to cut it all off but I wanted to do something to support breast cancer research," he said.
"The support I've had so far has been great. I don't think you ever really expect to raise as much as you do.
"We set a goal of $10,000 and we've already reached that."
Mr Gardner, who is a trainer at Newcastle F45 Gym, bartender at the Greenroof Hotel in Newcastle and a university student, decided to raise funds for the foundation after his mother, Narelle Gardner, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time late last year.
Mrs Gardner, who lives in Medowie with husband Greg, first battled breast cancer 11 years ago. The cancer returned in October 2018. This time, however, it has metastasised throughout her body.
Mrs Gardner is now going through endocrine and chemical therapy, and taking a new trial medication.
"Mum has been such an inspiration and has stayed extremely positive throughout this whole experience," Mr Gardner said.
"Without this foundation's research, it would not have been possible for mum and other breast cancer patients to have the option to choose hormone therapy, which is a far less gruelling process compared to chemotherapy.
"The money I raise will be going to the foundation to help fund more research opportunities.
"My mother is the strongest woman I know. This is my way to stand up and be strong like her, to be someone who puts others before themselves and fights through the toughest times of their life."
Wielding the clippers on the day will be Mrs Gardner and Mr Gardner's boss at Newcastle F45 Gym, Jordan Nisbet.
Mr Gardner said since he decided to run with a fundraiser his two places of employment, the gym and the Hamilton-based hotel, had been nothing but supportive.
The shave event will be held at the Greenroof Hotel from 2pm on June 8. The hotel will donate $1 from every drink sold between 2pm and 6pm to the cause. There will also be raffles, with prizes donated from Newcastle businesses.
To donate to Mr Gardner's cause go to fundraise.nbcf.org.au and search 'Jordan Nisbet' under 'find a fundraiser'. As of Tuesday, more than $10,300 had been raised.
Mr Gardner said the donations meant a lot to him and his mother.
"I think in the first 24 hours we'd raised $6000, which is incredible. Mum was stoked. She would message me every time someone donated," he said.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
