A day before beginning high school, Ethan Barrell has taken the leap of faith and cut his hair to raise funds for children's cancer charities.
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When Ethan underwent chemotherapy at the age of seven following a Burkitt's Lymphoma diagnosis, he was hesitant to cut his hair once it began to grow back.
The 12-year-old decided he was ready this year, and he and his family organised fundraiser 'Ethan's Big Chop.'
The GoFundMe has so far raised $2850 with community members including some of Ethan's many sporting clubs pitching in.
Family and friends took turns cutting Ethan's hair, to be donated to Variety for wigs, before Wish Hair and Beauty's Jessica Francis took the reins.
Ethan said he felt "lightheaded" after losing the locks, and he was grateful to those who had donated.
"It will mean a lot to a lot of other people, and it will go a long way," he said.
Donations will be split between Ronald McDonald House Westmead, Camp Quality and Country Hope Wagga, all charities Ethan said supported him when he was sick.
Ethan's mother Rachael said while she was quite attached to her son's long red hair, the fundraiser was "a big thing for him."
"I'm just pleased for him that he's been able to do this," she said.
Donations can still be made through Ethan's Big Chop on GoFundMe.com.
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