AFL 2018: Essendon captain Dyson Heppell shaves beard for Scleroderma research

ESSENDON captain Dyson Heppell has shaved his beard to raise awareness of a rare skin disease — and his new best mate is stoked with his fresh new look.

Essendon captain Dyson Heppell shaved off his beard for Warranwood Primary School student Harrison Pennicott. Picture: MICHAEL KLEIN.

ESSENDON captain Dyson Heppell has shaved his beard to raise awareness of a rare skin disease — and his new best mate is stoked with his fresh new look.

The Essendon captain was given a rock star reception when he visited Warranwood Primary School this morning to fulfil a promise he made to Prep student and hardcore Bombers fan Harrison Pennicott.

Harrison, 6, is the youngest person in Australia diagnosed with scleroderma.

Heppell’s grandmother also died from the rare skin and auto-immune disease.

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The duo bonded when the club invited Harrison and his family to tour their Tullamarine base earlier this year.

Heppell then agreed to freshen up his face and lose the beard he’d been growing for eight months for today’s fundraiser.

The shave raised nearly $45,000 for Scleroderma Victoria and took place on World Scleroderma day.

“It feels a bit weird to have the beard off but I’m super stoked to get rid of it,” Heppell said.

“The support has been huge, and just getting to meet Harrison through this, I’ve found a new little friend for life now.
“He’s a little legend and we run amok every time he comes round.”

Harrison kicked off the shave and gave his hero’s fresh face the thumbs up.
But there won’t be anymore shaving for a while, with Heppell pledging to keep his trademark dreadlocks for now.

Donations are still being accepted for the Get Behind The Beard fundraiser.

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