The Terrace School’s (TTS) Grace Wardle is shaving her head on Saturday (April 22) to raise money for leukaemia and blood cancer support.

Grace (12) said she has always wanted to shave her head and this was a great cause to support.

“I used to have hair all the way down my back when I was four.”

Last year she chopped off most of her locks and she was surprised by the shocked comments from her peers.

She admitted she is a bit nervous about the buzz cut but said she’s “always been quite out there” with her appearance.

Her great grandfather died of blood cancer and she wants to raise money for the cause.

“Eight kiwis every day are diagnosed with blood cancer or leukaemia… and I’m [just] doing what one person can do,” Grace said.

The shy year eight student spoke about her campaign in front of her school assembly at the end of term. She said her schoolmates were supportive of her going through with it. 

Her mum Melinda (Mel) Tweedie said Grace is known for her trendsetting and delivering silent shocks to people.

“She’s a shapeshifter this one. When she was five years old she started wearing rabbit ear headbands to school… We ended up with five different colours and styles of bunny ears at home.

“Then when she was six she wore one long knee high black sock and one white ankle sock.”

Mel said she’s relaxed about the upcoming appointment.

“It’s a big thing for a girl to shave her hair off… girls are defined by how they look.”

Mel said it will grow back and no matter how her hair looks she’s still the same zany artistic Grace.

Grace has eclipsed her fundraising goal of $500, and her efforts have netted $1,070 so far. 

Visit Grace’s shave for a cure fundraising page here.