Ray Thompson takes part in World’s Greatest Shave

It has been eight years since former North Queensland Cowboys stalwart Ray Thompson has had a haircut but he gladly gave up his beloved dreadlocks yesterday for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.

IT HAS been eight years since former North Queensland Cowboys stalwart Ray Thompson has had a haircut but he gladly gave up his beloved dreadlocks yesterday for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.

Thompson said he had no regrets gladly allowing former teammates and mates Gavin Cooper and Jake Granville to shave his head at the Cowboys Leagues Club.

Former North Queensland Cowboys player Ray Thompson shaves his famous dreadlocks for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. Ray Thompson with daughter Ivy, 6, and his shaved dreadlocks. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I am really excited and can’t wait to get a haircut but also to raise as much money as possible.

“A lot of people with blood cancer don’t have that option to shave their heads whereas for me this is a choice and I am glad and really privileged to be able to support such a good cause.

“My eldest daughter is six so none of my three kids have seen me without dreadlocks so I am excited to see their response.”

Sharing the stage at the leagues club with Thompson was eight-year-old Dallas Murga who also signed up for the World’s Greatest Shave.

“His family friend whom I played rugby league with has a young son who was diagnosed with Leukaemia about three weeks ago.

“He is only two-years-old and to hear that it is close to home as I have a 2 year old son as well.”

Former North Queensland Cowboys player Ray Thompson shaves his famous dreadlocks for the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave. Ray's daughter Ivy, 6, shaves off the first dreadlocks. Picture: Evan Morgan

Thompson said both himself and Dallas has smashed their fundraising targets.

“The goal for me was $10,000 I have gone over that which is absolutely outstanding.

“I suppose we will move the goalposts again and go for $15,000 eventually but just as much as I can raise.

“Young Dallas had a target or $2000 and he has smashed that out of the park and raised $3000.”

Thompson said it was time to say goodbye to his dreadlocks and was happy he could raise money for a good cause.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to use my profile for something good and I am grateful for the support from the Cowboys Leagues Club and the North Queensland Cowboys but the support from the whole community has been overwhelming.”

He said there was still time for people to donate to the cause.

“Just go to the Cowboys website or the Leukaemia Foundation and search Ray Thompson or Dallas Murga and you can jump on there and donate.”

Originally published as Ray Thompson takes part in World’s Greatest Shave