Ponytail Project: Townsville student Nate Tallentire donates hair, money to Cancer Council

A kind-hearted Townsville high schooler has put his genetic predisposition for fast-growing hair to good use by raising a fair chunk of change for a cancer charity. Read how you can help.

Northern Beaches State High School student Nate Tallentire has been growing his hair for almost three years as part of the Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project, which sources hair for charitable wigs, including for children. Picture: Supplied

A compassionate young Townsville high schooler has put his genetic predisposition for fast-growing hair to good use by raising a fair chunk of change for a highly respected cancer charity.

Nate Tallentire has been growing his hair for almost three years as part of the Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project, which sources hair for charitable wigs, including for children.

He said he agreed with the Ponytail Project’s mantra that cancer affected everybody and it was “time we all stood together and did something about it”.

“I knew it was something that I could easily achieve and I could grow my hair and give it to somebody who needed it more,” Nate said.

The Grade 7 Northern Beaches State High School student, aged just 12, has so far raised $1023, $23 above his $1000 goal, but is keen for a final push before his date with a barber on October 20.

The keen soccer player with Northern Beaches United Football Club said that in addition to the time it took to wash and brush his hair, the other major drawback of having long locks was having to tie it back for sport.

Northern Beaches State High School student Nate Tallentire. Picture: Supplied

Nate has been growing his hair for nearly three years. Picture: Supplied

He said that despite the good-natured teasing he got from his mates, it was worth it to raise badly needed funds for such an important charity.

Mother Kelly Whealleans said she was proud of Nate who had a heart of gold.

“You can’t put it into words how proud I am, he started this venture when he was 9 turning 10 to be thinking this way,” she said.

“He’s very head-strong and independent and when he sets his mind to something he won’t give up.”

In a late-breaking development, Ms Whealleans said the North Shore Tavern had agreed to host the haircut event on Sunday, October 20.

To help Nate, visit www.ponytailproject.com.au/fundraisers/natetallentire/qld-2024

Originally published as Ponytail Project: Townsville student Nate Tallentire donates hair, money to Cancer Council