Netballer Erena Mikaere cuts her hair off for brain cancer awareness

8 Aug

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic netball star and Maori Television presenter, Erena Mikaere, has shaved her hair off on live TV to raise awareness of brain cancer and to raise funds for Brain Tumour Support NZ.

Erena said she was doing it to honour her friend who was currently battling a brain tumour and who had set up the Brain Tumour Support NZ charity in response to the lack of awareness, information and help for brain tumour patients.

Black Ferns rugby sevens and 15s player, Stacey Fluhler, Erena’s co-host on Maori TV’s Te Ao Toa programme, wielded the scissors while Erena sat nervously in her chair and co-hosts Adam Blair and Brook Ruscoe looked on from the studio. In a couple of snips it was gone, and a shocked Erena let out a “wow” as she contemplated her new look in the mirror.

Later, Erena posted a selfie of her new hairstyle on her Givealittle page which she has set up to raise funds in support of brain cancer patients. She has called the page “Brave it for Brain Tumour Support NZ”.

“I have thought about this for some time, and having had people close to me deal with both brain tumour cancer and other forms of cancers I have always wanted to show my support in some way. I never really had the courage to do it, until now,” Erena wrote.

Erena’s Givealittle campaign remains open until 22 August 2022. To donate click here.