Mullets to be shorn in hospice fundraiser

Ready to shear their hair for charity are (from left) Cam Andrews and his uncles, brothers Ben and Royce Bisset. PHOTO: SAM HENDERSON

Friends and family will take part in a head-shaving event to raise funds for the Otago Community Hospice.

Organiser Royce Bisset said the event was inspired by his brother, Daniel Bisset as well as his sister-in-law, Toni Adie-Kinraid, Daniel’s former wife, who died from bowel cancer in 2019.

Both were cared for by the hospice in their final days.

The event has garnered strong support from local businesses, which have donated raffle prizes and from Beachlands Speedway, which is providing the premises.

Mr Bisset said his brother was a very loving, caring man.

"He cared about his family a lot, definitely very well-liked, he had a lot of support behind him."

One of those taking part is Cam Andrews, Daniel Bisset’s son.

Although he was just 10 when he died, Mr Andrews recalled doing “heaps” with his father.

Friends of his father shaved their heads to raise money so the family could have a holiday in Christchurch before he died.

Mr Andrews recalled how helpful the hospice was when his father was admitted, accommodating the family throughout his final days.

"We would be there overnight in the lounge, there was heaps of us that would just hang out there every day."

Mr Bisset said his brother was in the hospice for quite some time.

"Everyone was always there, in and out, we all stayed the night there.

"I think that is why the hospice was so good as well because they had our whole family there."

About 18 men will get their hair and beards shaved during the community raffle night on Saturday at Beachlands Speedway.

The youngest participant will be his nine-year-old nephew, Leo Bisset.

Funds raised have already reached about $12,000 and Mr Bisset hopes to raise more at the raffle.

He thanked all the men who volunteered to shave their heads as well as businesses and individuals raising funds.

"I appreciate you all more than I can put into words and can’t thank you all enough for helping me help the hospice.

"Not a single thing of this would be at all possible without all of you."

Mr Bisset was full of praise for the hospice.

"Even though I was only 13 when my brother was there I spent a lot of time there and the staff and facilities are nothing but amazing.

"To do what they do every day is an amazing thing in itself.

"In 2019 when my sister passed away there, once again it was a hard place to be but also a very amazing place doing all the right things with all their amazing staff."

Otago Community Hospice fundraising co-ordinator Tina Reece said it was "so lucky" to have people like Mr Bisset and his friends supporting the hospice with fundraising events.

"Big or small, every little bit helps, allows us to keep hospice services free across Otago.

"We are happy to lend a hand with events where we can.

"But we often get a lovely surprise when someone shows up with money from a cake sale, ice bath challenge or other creative event."

This was exactly what kept the hospice ticking and they would never take it for granted, she said.

Otago Community Hospice chief executive Ginny Green said men were "amazing".

"Can you believe the level of support they have secured already? Outstanding.

"We are so grateful that Royce has pulled this all together for us.

"Our community is incredible."

— To give visit The Hair Must Go For The Hospice at givealittle