The death of a rugby loving uncle from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia has spurred a young Brisbane boy into lining up alongside QR Reds rugby captain James Horwill to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation's World’s Greatest Shave.
12 year old Sebastian Olver's uncle Peter Kelly died in November, 2008, prompting Sebastian to join last year's World's Greatest Shave, when he raised $1300.
A Brisbane Boys College student, Sebastian has partnered with fellow BBC old boy James for this year's shave.
“I was really impressed by Seb’s commitment for someone of such a young age and whatever I can do to help him and the cause I’m happy to do,” Horwill said.
“Hopefully we can raise at least $10,000 for the Foundation, if not more.”
Sebastian's mother Monique said her late brother Peter, a father of three young children, loved his rugby and would loyally travel down from the Sunshine Coast to watch Reds games even when his illness was taking its toll.
Although the Reds captain is due to have major knee surgery shortly, he will be out of hospital in time to submit to the hair clippers alongside Sebastian on Friday 12 March.
The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave helps raise vital funds for those living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.
Money raised from World’s Greatest Shave will help the Foundation continue to provide free support services for patients and their families including emotional support, transportation, accommodation, information, education and support programs, as well as fund exciting new research projects.
Monique Olver said Sebastian was doing the shave so other families may be spared from the suffering that her brother's wife and children and extended family went through.
"No family should go through what we have witnessed and experienced over the last 15 months," she said.
"Peter tried everything to fight the fight the disease. He had a beautiful soul and is very missed. We all loved Peter dearly."
Sebastian Olver and James Horwill’s campaign starts now.
Support their efforts and donate at http://my.imisfriendraising.com.au/TeamPage.aspx?teamID=45331&langPref=en-CA
