Matahui School boy cuts hair after three years to support breast cancer trust

Nine-year-old Gaige Aitchison-Budd of Matahui School has spent three years growing his hair so he could donate it to someone experiencing hair loss — a decision that took on deep personal meaning after his mother Kristine and a close relative were both diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. Gaige made the decision to grow his hair back in 2023, inspired by a conversation with his mum about the value of giving to others, well before cancer entered their whānau's lives.

Kristine underwent a mastectomy in late 2024, followed by six months of chemotherapy, radiation treatment and a breast reconstruction — essentially a full year of treatment. She will continue to be monitored by a specialist for five years and must take hormone medication for a decade. Despite the challenges, she says she is incredibly proud of her son, noting that persevering with long hair as a young boy — including fielding comments from others — took real courage.

Matahui School, a small kura of around 50 students, rallied around Kristine as an integral part of their school community and chose to hold a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust (BCSST). On 22 May, students and staff dressed in pink, held a bake sale, and launched a Givealittle page, with Gaige's hair cut as the centrepiece of the day. Principal Mary Woods said the event aligned perfectly with the school's values of empathy, courage and perseverance.

Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust fundraising co-ordinator Tracey Phizacklea said the trust had never had a child cut their hair on its behalf before, describing Gaige's commitment as truly admirable. Gaige himself said cutting his long, shoulder-length hair felt meaningful because he understood what it was like — and wanted to give as much as possible to someone who needed it.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).