"I had cancer through the family and others I know and I thought 'what the hell what's [the big deal] with cutting my hair?' That's nothing, it's a small sacrifice compared with what they go through."
Mark raised more than $1000 for Shave for a Cure in front of Rotorua Girls' High students yesterday.
By his side watching the event was his wife, Kathy, who said she was proud of his effort.
"I think it's so brave for Mark to do this. He's going to have a hip operation in three months and this was just his reality check time. Here is him facing an operation which is nothing compared to people having cancer - [they] face [it] every day and sometimes never get through.
"I've never seen him go out on a limb like this before. He is very quiet and retiring normally. I know he does very well in his coaching and training. But other than that, he is a quiet, very shy man really. I'm the one who makes all the noise."
After his cut Kathy said she liked the new look. "I think he's still handsome. He's got a lovely set of hair and it was a shame to see it go but it won't take long to grow back." Although shaving his head was a bit of a shock to the system it was his moustache, which he also shaved off, Mark was going to miss the most.
"I used to have a goatee, I was one of the few [who did] way back in the day. Back in the early 50s. Everybody would give me a hard time. But I've had a mo ever since I was married more than 45 years and I had it before then too."
For more than 10 years, Kiwis have fundraised and organised events to shave their heads to help raise funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand. The foundation is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancer or related blood conditions. Six New Zealanders are diagnosed every day with a blood cancer or related condition. The foundation receives no government funding and the efforts made by Mark and the thousands of people throughout the country are vital in supporting these patients and their families.
People can still donate to Mark's cause by logging on to www.shaveforacure.co.nz. Simply click on to the search for a shavee and enter Mark Edmonds.