Cutting for a Cause: Alex's Bold Move to Empower People with Epilepsy
Alex may have epilepsy, but that hasn’t stopped him from chasing his dreams. With determination and heart, he’s built an inclusive gym and personal training service to help people of all abilities feel stronger, healthier, and more confident.
This Purple Day (March 26th), Alex is taking a bold step to make an even bigger impact. For years, he’s been growing his “luscious locks,” but now he’s ready to let them go. In a powerful show of solidarity, he’ll cut off his hair to raise funds and awareness for the epilepsy community – a cause that’s deeply personal to him.
“I’ve lived with epilepsy for 25 years, and I know firsthand the challenges it brings,” Alex shares. “That’s why I’m so passionate about raising funds for Epilepsy New Zealand. They provide life-changing support, education, and advocacy for people like me. But I also want to do more. I want to offer specialised personal training programmes for individuals with epilepsy, helping them build strength, confidence, and a sense of empowerment.”
The funds raised from Alex’s haircut will be split between Epilepsy New Zealand and his mission to make personal training more accessible for those with epilepsy. He dreams of a world where everyone, regardless of their diagnosis, can experience the physical and mental benefits of exercise in a safe, supportive environment.
By parting with his hair, Alex hopes to spark conversations and break down stigmas surrounding epilepsy. He wants the world to see that epilepsy doesn’t define a person – strength, courage, and determination do.
Every dollar raised will make a difference. Your support will help fund vital services and create inclusive fitness opportunities for people living with epilepsy.
If you’d like to be part of Alex’s journey, visit his Givealittle page to donate. You can also help by sharing his story with others.
Together, we can stand strong with the epilepsy community, raise awareness, and create a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Thank you, Alex, for being such an incredible supporter!
Rugby Player, Teacher and Author Puri Hauiti writes e-book inspired by son's epilepsy journey.
Son’s epilepsy inspires children’s story, providing positive guidance to those living with epilepsy. Please read more here:
Prop to publisher: Former rep rugby captain’s journey to writing kids’ books – NZ Herald
Epilepsy Hero's; Thank you 2nd Whangarei Girls' Brigade for making a difference by fundraising for ENZ.
If you were walking the Hãtea Loop recently, you may have noticed some tutu-wearing girls carrying placards and walking with enthusiastic determination. The girls were a group from the local Girls’ Brigade, and the walk had a plan and a purpose – to make money to donate to their chosen organizations, Epilepsy NZ and Motor Neurone Disease NZ (MND).
The secondary school-aged girls meet once a week after school, and this year’s theme for the Brigade has been “Generosity”. With this in mind, Girls’ Brigade leader Sue Cammell asked the girls how they would like to show generosity towards their community and it was decided to make money to donate to an organisation of their choice. Money-making methods were whittled down to two – sewing heat packs to sell, and being sponsored to walk the Hãtea Loop.
Choosing an organisation to donate to was a democratic affair. Each girl researched and offered an idea – these varied from the I am Hope Foundation to adopting a donkey in Syria! However, after a vote and careful counting, Epilepsy NZ and MND NZ were tied for first. This is where democracy really kicked in and it was decided to equally split the proceeds between the two organisations.
Sewing the heat packs was a challenge for some of the girls who were not confident using sewing machines, let alone sewing in a straight line. However, twenty were completed and sold. This was a great start towards the generosity goal, but it has been the success of the sponsored Hãtea Loop walk that astounded Sue Cammell. Finding sponsors and then following them up after the walk takes time and persistence, but the girls really came to the fore. Over both fundraisers, the 12 teens made an incredible total of $1027.70 to gift to each of their chosen organisations.
Sue says, “Our girls have learnt and shown that with a bit of creative thinking and determination, they can set and achieve big goals”.
So, with the kindness of sponsors and the heart-felt work of the girls, it seems that real generosity has won the day.
Written by Claire McIvor, 2nd Whangarei Girls’ Brigade.
ENZ in the News
No funds for epilepsy monitors leaves Northland solo mum relying on charity.
HILARY ON THE RADIO
11 December 2024
Our Southland Educator, Hilary Thorne, sat down with Jack Lovett-Hurst, SOAR Coordinator at Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust, for an interview on his podcast S.O.A.R. With Jack!
Tune in to hear their chat on Radio Southland 96.4 FM.