Students from Bermuda High School have surpassed their fundraising expectations by close to $60,000 at their first St Baldrick’s Day event.

Some 27 girls braved having their heads shaved or locks cut for the event in support of child cancer research, raising $72,869 so far while 23 of them donated their hair to Locks of Love.

The initial fundraising target was $15,000 which was topped thanks to a massive turnout at the school hall where there was standing room only.

Tara Soares, from the Bermuda Cancer and Health, was there to congratulate and thank the girls for their efforts, as well as Dan Sullivan, who introduced St Baldrick’s on the island.

Also in attendance was a special guest, Susan Heard from the US, an International St Baldrick’s representative who lost her ten-year-old son to cancer.

She reminded the participants: “Without your support and funding we’re not going to make any progress. What you have done is tremendous. I thank you so much. You are giving so much hope.”

Year 9 student Leila Prado led the initiative with the help of staff members. Leila lost her grandmother to cancer before she was born and she has a friend who has battled cancer.

She said: “I shaved my hair in 2015 to stand in solidarity for children with cancer. I will never forget my experience. I learnt so much about personal courage and that losing your hair as a teen is not that important compared to what young children battling cancer endure.”

Annika Henderson, a Year 4 pupil, received a big round of applause for raising the most of all — more than $8,000 and counting.

The students, who had watched an emotional St Baldrick’s film about childhood cancer, were asked what inspired them to take part and almost all of them had been touched by cancer in some way through a family member or friend.

Hannah Field-Lament, from Year 6, spoke about how “watching the video of the little girl with cancer made me feel bad” and as Lily Cornes, from Year 6, said, “it really made me want to help people”.

Tracy Renaud, a Year 6 teacher, also shaved her head this year having lost friends and family members to cancer. She said: “I understand the importance of finding a cure for this terrible disease. As an educator, I find it incredibly satisfying to observe children genuinely wanting to help others.

“Kindness is one of the most important lessons that we can teach our children. They truly are shining stars and exceptionally courageous.”

Some of the girls had their parents joining in the efforts too. Year 6 students Hannah Field-Lament, Amber McHugh, Lily Cornes and Mya Maries all persuaded their dads, Sean, David, James, and Scott to shave their heads.

Rylie White, a Year 4 student, and her mom, Heidi White, are both shaving their heads and donating their hair to Locks of Love.

Ms White is an alumna of BHS and when asked why she was participating, she replied: “As this is BHS’s first St Baldrick’s fundraising event, coupled with the fact that I am a former student and now a parent at the school, I decided without reservation, that there is no better time to shave my head alongside my daughter Rylie for this very worthy cause. It’s a small sacrifice for a much larger purpose.”

All proceeds raised will go to St Baldrick’s childhood cancer research, and Bermuda Cancer and Health (Charity #70). Members of the public can still donate via the St Baldrick’s website.

To donate, visit: www.stbaldricks.org