General News
6 September, 2023
Ashton raises thousands for Cancer Council
ASHTON Maher parted ways with four years of hair growth last week as his fundraiser for Cancer Council reached $3000.
ASHTON Maher parted ways with four years of hair growth last week as his fundraiser for Cancer Council reached $3000.
The 16-year-old Mortlake College Succeed house captain went under the cut as part of his efforts to raise funds for Cancer Council on Daffodil Day.
His lengthy hair was cut short at a school assembly in front of hundreds of his fellow students, family and school staff.
Ashton said he was “bewildered” to have raised so much money.
“I wasn’t expecting such a strong response,” he said.
“My original goal was $500 so I have now raised six times more than that.
“I couldn’t be happier with that.”
Not one for the spotlight, Ashton said it was nerve-wracking to be sitting in front of so many people for his haircut, but wanted to get through it for such an important cause.
“I was almost shaking and had to ground myself but I got through it,” he said.
“I’ve done assembly a few times now, but it’s still pretty daunting to be in front of so many people.”
Ashton said he felt pretty good about his new haircut but acknowledged it was a different feeling.
He thanked everyone who had contributed to the cause for their generosity.
“Cancer Council does so much, not only in the money they put towards important research but the support they offer to people impacted by cancer,” Ashton said.
“It’s incredible.”
Ashton was surrounded by his family during the cut, including mum and dad Bianca and David, who were beaming with pride for his efforts.
“We’re very proud of what he’s achieved,” David said.
“We didn’t anticipate it would raise so much money but it’s great to see everyone get behind him for a really great cause.”
Bianca gave the new haircut a mother’s tick of approval.
“We’re pretty blown away by the support from our family, friends and the wider community,” she said.
“It looks great but I’ll miss his long hair a little bit.”
As Western District Newspapers reported last month, Ashton had been growing his hair for four years in a “stubborn $20 bet” with his uncle to see who would go the longest without a haircut.
As a captain of Mortlake College’s Succeed house, which is branded in yellow similar to Cancer Council, he felt the connection could provide a great opportunity to raise funds as part of the Succeed annual house fundraiser.
If you would like to donate to Ashton’s cause while it still remains open visit https://fundraising.cancervic.org.au/fundraisers/ashtonmaher.
