Royal New Zealand Naval Association Inc.

HAIRY MAN: Jim Smyth (W20237 ex POSA) who was in pussers from 1971-1983  will shave off his beard and head for the Cancer Society's Twizel Relay for Life.

Jim Smyth has been hiding something for nearly 40 years.

The Twizel-based inventory co-ordinator for Meridian has not shaved off his beard for nearly 40 years, but he has decided to treat it to the clippers in March – all for a good cause.

Mr Smyth hopes to raise more than $5000 for the Cancer Society as part of the High Country Relay for Life in Twizel. So far, dozens of people have pledged to donate anything from $10 to $200 to the cause.

"We're already at more than $2300, the response has been just great. Some of my relatives are coming to Twizel just to see what I look like underneath it," he said.

The owner of Shawty's restaurant, who used to be a barber, will be responsible for cutting the beard. Mr Smyth said the beard had quite a bit of history.

"When I was in the navy, you actually had to ask for permission to grow a beard. I waited for a couple of years, and I got permission. I've kept it ever since, largely because I don't like shaving," he said.

It was his own idea to shave it off for the Cancer Society – both his mother and a brother died of cancer, as did a lot of his navy friends after being exposed to radiation from bomb tests at the Mururoa atoll. However, he was nervous about the event.

"Yet as soon as someone put money on it, I knew I couldn't pull out," he said.
"To be honest, I'm as curious as everyone else to see what's under there.
"It's certainly going to be a bit different next time I go biking and put on my helmet."
The Relay for Life will be held in Twizel for the first time on March 10.
Committee member Annette Money said a few groups had expressed interest but she expected more would get on board as the deadline drew closer.
"It's about embracing the whole Mackenzie district.
"Our theme is celebration and hope, while also acknowledging loss," she said.
You can donate to Mr Smyth's cause on http://fundraiseonline.co.nz/JIMSBIGSHAVE/

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