A close shave for Raoul!

Thumbs up for a very good cause – Rachel Grier and Raoul Ramesh-Grier after their shaves. Photo by Darren Harris

Darren Harris

RAOUL RAMESH-GRIER, 12, who attends Giants Steps in Deloraine, is an inspirational young person who has achieved the incredible feat of raising over $8000 and counting for the World’s Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Proud mum Rachel Grier said Raoul is amazing. ‘He said to me two years ago, “Mum I like to laugh but kids get sick with cancer, go bald and die.” He grew his hair long for two years and got really excited and committed to the cause.

‘It’s a great life lesson for him, to care and think about others. It was important that I kept my commitment to Raoul too that I would get my hair shaved with him’, she said.

‘Today is about raising awareness for autism and blood cancer. Giant Steps have provided excellent support.’

Raoul sat in the chair and had all of his long hair shaved off to chants and cheers from the rest of the kids and Giant Steps staff.

Raoul said he felt free having no hair. He said he felt great when asked what it felt like to raise $8000 plus for people with leukaemia.

Tim Chugg, principal of Giant Steps, said the event is a great achievement for Raoul to think of others.

‘Raoul has inspired the other children in getting people to donate in return for a sausage at the sausage sizzle.

‘It’s great to see the children and others celebrating their differences and for a good cause.’

Danielle Carr, hairdresser, sold her salon in Kuranda (near Cairns, Queensland) and moved down to Deloraine last year so her son Bodhi could attend Giant Steps.

Danielle shaved Raoul’s and Rachel’s hair, and put colours on the other kids’ hair. They were all excited to watch Raoul and Rachel get shaved.

Rachel said Raoul’s aim is to raise $10,000, as this covers support for 300 families as they go through diagnosis.

‘Every $80 raised pays for the equivalent of one night’s accommodation. Every year over 300 people in Tasmania get diagnosed with leukaemia’, she said.

‘The Leukaemia Foundation raises about $15 million each year in Australia to help support the whole family, by providing emotional and mental support, education, research, accommodation and transport.

‘A lot of Tassie families travel to the mainland for treatment, such as Melbourne or Adelaide.’

Donations can be given to the World’s Greatest Shave online at worldsgreatestshave.com.