By Jamie Salter
The day Pearcedale Primary School’s Harpa Cargill has been waiting for finally arrived on Friday – the day he would shave off every hair on his head to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The entire student body left the classroom to witness the big shave, chanting Harpa’s name throughout the process.
The 12-year-old Cranbourne resident and school captain started growing his hair out about two years ago.
He said he was “excited but nervous” before his haircut.
“I didn’t expect it to come around this fast,” he said.
“My mum’s friend was diagnosed with cancer and lost her hair, so I thought I’d make a wig for her.
“When she got better, I still wanted to get it made into a wig.”
Harpa’s hair was donated to Variety Australia’s Hair with Heart.
The kind-hearted student gathered about $7,000 despite Covid-19 limiting his fundraising capabilities.
“It’s amazing that we raised this much and I got a lot of support from my family,” Harpa said.
His mum Ally Combridge said she was extremely proud.
“For a young boy to decide to do this, it’s pretty extraordinary – he’s a special kid,” she said.
Throughout the lead up to the shave, the mother-son duo took photos of Harpa with creative hairstyles and posted them on Facebook and Instagram to help raise awareness during lockdowns.
“At one point we thought we would be lucky to raise $1,000,” Ms Combridge said.
Pearcedale Primary School also contributed $1,300 towards the fundraise.
Principal Simon Anderson said Harpa’s community spirit impressed staff and students at the school.
“I’m really proud of all of our students when they do such great things and Harpa has been an awesome school captain in a really tough year,” Mr Anderson said.
“What a great move to do it a week before graduation.”
Grade 6 teacher Kara Myers said Harpa was an inspiration to his fellow students.
“It’s something that he’s been working towards for a long time and it’s nice to see the whole school come out and support his cause,” she said.
“He is school captain this year and is well-liked by his peers – he’s definitely a role model.”
Harpa said he encouraged others to follow in his footsteps to help combat cancer.
