By Renee Wood
A Yarra Glen Primary student has spent the past two years growing his locks for a good cause and on Friday 9 December the time had come to chop it all off.
Nine year old Elroy decided two years ago he wanted to do something different and chose to grow his hair to donate it to Wigs 4 Kids campaign with the Kids with Cancer Foundation.
Elroy said the first bit was scary and then after the cutting he felt he could fly out of the roof because his head was so light.
Elroy said he’s mostly enjoyed the journey.
“It hurt combing and it was fun at most points,” he said.
When encouraging other students to do something like this, Elroy said get use to the combing.
“It’s a good idea but you have to grow use to combing it because it really hurts and the braids at the end probably hurt the most.”
Elroy’s parents attended and were very proud of his achievement.
“At seven he committed to it and now two years later, we’re so proud of him. It’s not been easy, he does not like having his hair brushed or combed,” Elroy’s mum April Shortis said.
As part of the fundraising, a raffle was held throughout the school for the winner of the first pony tail cut on the day.
More than $300 was raised for Reach Out, a charity chosen by Elroy’s family for a cause close to their heart.
Ms Shortis said they wanted to support Reach Out after her 18 year old step son William died from suicide in September 2021.
“I feel like if he had a group like Reach Out come to his school, and teach him that it was okay to talk he wouldn’t have felt so locked in and I really want them to have the funds to be able to go to every school.”
Hairdresser Alex Batten from Before and After Hair in Yarra Glen donated her time for the hair cut and was able to give Elroy a special cut of the number 45 on the side of Elroy’s head for his basketball number.
It’s safe to say Elroy will be sticking with his new short do for some time to come.
“I’m not growing it again and that’s final,” Elroy said.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline 13 11 14.
