Glenelg footballer Josh Scott shaving head to raise money for progeria sufferer Enzo Cornejo
He is sure to stand out when SANFL returns on Friday night. But Glenelg forward Josh Scott is about to shave off his red locks and beard to look more like — and help raise money for — his little mate Enzo Cornejo who was born with a rapid-ageing condition.
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It is usually children trying to emulate their sporting heroes but Glenelg forward Josh Scott wants to look more like his little mate Enzo Cornejo.
The high-flying Tiger is set to shave his head to raise money for the seven-year-old, born with the rapid-ageing condition progeria.
Enzo is believed to be the only child in Australia with the rare disorder, which has no cure and typically reduces life expectancy to about 14 years, and just one of 156 with it worldwide.
His parents, Catherina Llontop and Percy Cornejo, have started ‘Team Enzo’ to help get him to Boston, where the Progeria Research Foundation is trialling treatments in September to stop the ageing process.
Scott, whose Tigers play Norwood in the SANFL’s season-opener at The Parade on Friday night, says he is keen to shave his head and beard not only to raise funds, but to help Enzo feel more like him because progeria sufferers cannot grow hair.
“I’ve seen him grow up but at the same time get more sick, which is tough,” Scott, 25, says.
“Anything like this we can do to help Enzo feel like everyone else and put a smile on his face, I’m all for.”
Scott met Enzo three years ago through his partner Lily, who taught him in reception at St Mary’s Memorial School, Glenelg.
Scott’s shave off will happen at a fundraising day at the school on Friday, April 12 — the final day of term.
Enzo will shave the redhead’s beard, which he has also been growing out for the event.
“Lily asked me to do the City to Bay walk for Enzo as a fundraiser and on the day we ended up getting along and we struck up a bit of a friendship,” Scott says.
“That was three years ago and now we see each other all the time.
“We’ve got him to come to a few Bays matches and he even flipped the coin before a game last year — it’s great to have him in at the club and see a smile on his face.”
Teachers from St Mary’s will also shave or colour their hair to raise funds for ‘Team Enzo’, a support group consisting of family members and friends.
Enzo, of Brighton, says the reason Josh is shaving his head “is because he loves me”.
To donate to Team Enzo and help him get to Boston, visit www.mycause.com.au/page/193432/team-enzo-2019
patrick.keam@news.com.au
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