“No parent should have to outlive their child”.
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That’s the sentiment of sixteen-year-old Will McEwen, and one of the reasons he is cutting his long, curly locks.
The Parkes High School Student originally started growing his hair almost two years ago so he could donate it for a wig for a cancer patient – then he heard about a young Parkes girl named Lilly Wyburn.
Lilly (8) was diagnosed with leukaemia just before her second birthday and has spent the last six years in and out of hospital fighting for her life.
Because her lungs are so seriously and permanently damaged, Lilly is now in need of a double lung transplant.
Will doesn’t know the Wyburn family and has never met Lilly.
“We were sitting at the dinner table one night and mum came across the Likes For Lilly facebook page,” Will said.
“So we went through the page and decided we should do what we can to help. I want to help give her the best chance at a childhood.”
Will resolved to use the plan to cut his hair as an opportunity to raise money for Lilly and her family.
The date has been set for Friday, September 1, when Will’s aunty, local hairdresser Kara Timmins, will cut his hair (which is currently 26cm long when straightened).
The event, to take place at the Parkes Services and Citizens Club, will kick off at 7pm.
“Mum has made up flyers to put around town and we have donation tins to place in shops as well,” Will said.
“The Railway Hotel has a donation tin now.
“We are also seeking donations of items to be auctioned off on the night.”
Will has no doubt local businesses and the community will get behind the fundraising efforts.
“It will be good to see Parkes come together like they always do when someone really needs help,” he said.
And after his hair is cut off?
“I’ll start again,” he said.
Will’s mum, Jaimee Timmins, has set up a Locks for Lilly facebook event where you can rsvp and also share the page to help spread the word about their fundraising efforts.
Jaimee has also set up a Locks for Lilly mycause page where donations can be made.
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