Brothers in bravery

It’s a bit daunting, but buddies, from left, Patterson, Oliver and Deacon, are shaving for a cause. 135671_01 Picture: ROB CAREW

By KATH GANNAWAY

‘BRAVE Buddies’ is a great name for Healesville friends Paterson, Oliver and Deacon.
The boys will lose their locks on Friday, 13 March, as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.
With the support of family and friends they have already raised over $1600 for the cause.
Paterson’s reason for shaving his head is close to home.
“My mum had a brother who died at the age of 15 from leukaemia,” he said.
“So I wanted to do this shave in his memory.”
His buddies didn’t think twice about joining him and that, according to all three, is what being buddies is all about.
“Having Ollie and Deacon joining me means everything to me,” Paterson said.
“I don’t think I could do it if I was alone.”
Ollie and Deacon feel equally blessed.
“I’m proud of being chosen by Paterson to be part of this and I definitely think, to me and Deacon, it means we will really be doing something that will help lots of people,” Ollie said.
The big shave will take place at St Brigid’s Primary School, where the Brave Buddies are in Grade 4, at 2.45pm on Friday.
The boys have garnered the support of Yarra Valley Quality Meats and Bakers Delight for a sausage sizzle and are asking for a gold coin donation to help increase their tally.
Donations can be made at the school throughout the week or the day, or online at www.worldsgreatestshave.com. Search for St Brigid’s Brave Buddies under Sponsor a Team.