'Santa' has special gift for ill kids

A biker bearing a striking resemblance to Santa Claus was among a brave group who shaved their heads for the Child Cancer Foundation last week.

The original santa on a bike, Owen Thew, had groomed his natural beard and abundant hair for the occasion and was more than willing to lose it all for a great cause at the Hibernian Club in Hastings on Friday.

"The club did the head shave for Child Cancer last year and for me it was a no-brainer to come on board this year - I thought I could add a bit of novelty to it," he said.

Mr Thew and six others went under the expertly handled clippers of veteran barber Brian McFlynn and raised over $4500. Other shavees included brave women Cissy Morrell and Jo Bills, mullet king Kyle Hamilton, club members Dean Minogue and Tony Walsh and returning shaver Steven Bot.

"These Funrazor shave events contribute significantly [to] our fundraising in the Hawke's Bay region each year and are loads of fun," Linda Walsh, fundraiser for the Hawke's Bay branch of the Child Cancer Foundation, said.

Hawke's Bay is one of 23 Child Cancer branches in New Zealand which aim to reduce the impact of child cancer by offering support, information and ongoing practical, emotional and financial assistance to children and their families, affected by the life-threatening disease. The money raised in Hawke's Bay is used to support local people.

People can still make donations by going online to www.fundraiseonline.co.nz