Anakin Gillies, 14, of Temuka, will cut his hair on Tuesday and donate it to be made into a wig for the Cancer Society. He is hoping to raise money for the Canterbury Neonatal Unit Trust Fund, where his late baby brother Rowan was briefly cared for.

Anakin said he started growing his hair seven years ago because he just “liked it”, but thought it was now time to cut it off because he was ready for a change.

Rowan died due to a genetic disorder before Anakin was born, but Anakin had always been aware he had a brother. December 5 was the last time his mum  braided his hair and she said Anakin had decided to donate to the neonatal fund to help other families whose babies needed care.

“It's a wee sad chapter in our lives, but he decided if he’s going to do it (cut his hair) he would do something for charity.

“Especially in memory of Rowan, because there is no testing for that sort of disorder in New Zealand, and Anakin thought the money raised could help families who do have to take care of their babies with the disorder.”

A fantastic effort by all, raising $1401 for the Trust