Farmer Dave Graham chops his luscious locks for kids with cancer

A courageous Southern Queensland farmer and reality TV star who spent six years growing out his luscious locks, has selflessly taken the chop for kids with cancer. See why this time was so special here.

Nine-year-old Zai cut the first lock off farmer Dave Graham's hair for Kids with Cancer Foundations' Wigs 4 Kids on May 16, 2024. Photo: Supplied.

A familiar household name has courageously chopped off his long locks in a bid to give children with cancer a chance to experience being a kid.

It’s not the first time Goondiwindi farmer Dave Graham, known best for his appearance on Big Brother in 2006 and advocacy work, has grown out his luscious locks for cancer patients.

Having partnered with Kids with Cancer Foundations’ ‘wigs 4 kids’ program for a number of years, Dave completed his most recent transformation on May 16.

This time the long-awaited chop was particularly special for farmer Dave, having a helping hand from nine-year-old Zai who was diagnosed with stage four high-risk neuroblastoma in 2023.

Nine-year-old Zai with farmer Dave Graham after his big chop. Photo: Contributed

“It was life-changing, I asked him if he’d ever shaved before and I thought there’s a good chance he may never get to, so I let him shave my beard as well,” he said.

“I just want to give these kids the chance to be kids and not feel like they’re different from others.

“It’s hard for anyone to watch when a family member is diagnosed with a terminal illness, but it’s even worse when it happens to kids.”

Humble farmer Dave Graham chopped his luscious locks to donate to Kids with Cancer Foundations' Wigs 4 Kids. Photo: Contributed

Farmer Dave’s goal is to raise enough money to fund five wigs for five kids, having already raised more than $8000.

The luscious locks having reached an impressive 80cm have been donated to Ella Wigmakers located in Wyoming, NSW, who hand stitch each of their wigs which takes them roughly 60 hours.

It took farmer Dave roughly six years to grow his hair long enough, and he said it was a strange feeling for him to have a bundle of hair ties and no use for them.

“I’ve definitely felt the difference this time around now that it’s coming into winter,” Dave joked.

Farmer Dave encouraged anyone thinking of doing the chop to give it a go.

“Anyone can do it, Ella Wigmakers are fantastic and it doesn’t matter what your hair type is or whether it’s coloured,” he said.

Donations for farmer Dave’s fundraiser will remain open for the next few weeks for anyone wanting to make a last-minute donation to help five kids get five wigs.

You can donate to farmer Dave’s fundraiser here.

Originally published as Farmer Dave Graham chops his luscious locks for kids with cancer