A brisk autumnal day tickled at Bernee Fransen’s freshly shaved head, but the Motueka woman just laughed that she would work on her turban-wrapping skills.
“It’s pretty empowering,” she says of her new ‘do.
Bernee (Kāti Māmoe) had pledged to shave her head to raise money for her niece Nikita, who has a terminal cancer diagnosis and is now trying to make as many memories as possible with her five-year-old daughter Avary.
The fundraising was approaching the magic $1000-mark, and so Bernee contacted Bliss Hair Design owner Cherie Inglis, who was more than happy to have the honour of giving Bernee the big snip.
“Everybody’s been touched, and it’s good to give support to someone who puts themselves out there,” says Cherie, who commented – without wishing to elaborate further – that she herself is “a survivor”.
Once settled into the chair last Thursday, Bernee waved away Cherie’s offer to start with a number four length, and so the hairdresser went straight for the shortest cut.
“I feel lighter already,” smiled Bernee, as the razor swept up the back of her scalp.
She was supported on the day by her sister Rose, her son Dru and her daughter-in-law Nadia.
“She is this awesome,” Nadia said, with arms stretched wide. “We love her so much.”
Despite Nikita’s ebbing health and the time difference from Australia, the Brisbane-based woman managed to facetime her aunty mid-chop, receiving an outpouring of love from the gathered family.
Bernee, who has worked at the Motueka RSA for almost 25 years, was delighted to be given a biscuit tin ukelele by Lawrie’s Handmade Folk Instruments as an additional fundraiser. The tickets sold out in 24 hours flat and the raffle was drawn last Fridy, with a further $200 earned.
Donations are still very welcome and will continue to support Nikita and Avary. The dedicated account is B A FRANSEN, 11 7426 0009178 25.
