THE decision by Kerang district farmer Tim Pleasance to relinquish his dreadlocks after nine years provided both inspiration and challenge.
The 26-year-old wanted to maximise his efforts to help the Leukaemia Foundation raise funds for blood cancer research, treatment and welfare.
His plan to “shed the dreads” and a dream of raising $10,000 brought family and friends to the fore, followed by a generous community.
The funding target was passed, was reset, then surpassed again – and again.
A fun day on Sunday resulted in more funds raised through friends and family either colouring their hair or having hair, beards and moustaches removed.
Jake Rollinson’s dreadlocks were removed after growing for four years and Brenton Brooker had his long locks removed after losing a bet that $20,000 wouldn’t be exceeded.
Mr Pleasance said that he was overwhelmed by the support.
“It’s just been awesome. I never thought we’d raise this much” he said.
Local businesses provided goods for an auction and one of Mr Pleasance’s friends, Beau Marshall outbid others for the right to cut each dreadlock off.
A clean shave followed.
As at yesterday, the total had reached $25,336.70. More online donations were still being calculated.
