Heavyweight wigging up for child cancer

Heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker is teaming up with Child Cancer Foundation for Wig Wednesday.

World heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker has partnered up with Child Cancer Foundation to help grow awareness of the impact of child cancer on Kiwi families, and the need for support.

And while he may have taken off the gloves for a bit, he's happy to don a wig for the annual Wig Wednesday fundraiser taking place Wednesday June 21.

Parker recently spent time with children, parents and whanau at Child Cancer Foundation's Auckland Family Place, trying on an array of colourful wigs, signing memorabilia and handing around his winner's belt.

"The children show strength and courage that completely humbles me, and to see that they still have smiles on their faces is a credit to the wonderful team at Child Cancer Foundation," says Parker.

"These children have gone through so much in their lives and continue to live optimistically - a great lesson is to be learned here."

Businesses, schools, community groups and individuals around New Zealand have registered to take part in Wig Wednesday and help fundraise for Kiwi kids with cancer.

Some Whanganui schools and businesses have pledged their support for June 21.

The Child Cancer Foundation has four young ambassadors who have survived childhood cancer and one of them is Whanganui's own Tyler Bisset.

Now in remission, Tyler Bisset 7, has a necklace with more than 700 beads representing every cancer treatment and challenge he has faced.

Tyler, along with his fellow pupils at St Johns Hill School will be wigging up on June 21, as will Tawhero School and Porse educators and children.

Cancer survivor and St John penguin Tyler Bisset (front) collecting for the Child Cancer Foundation at the River Traders Market in March.

Every donation made during Wig Wednesday will go towards ensuring that children and their families always feel supported when walking the cancer journey.

Child Cancer Foundation offers each family targeted, practical and meaningful assistance, as well as a shoulder to lean on when times are tough.

As a stand-alone charity, Child Cancer Foundation receives no direct funding from the government, so relies on the generosity of New Zealanders to support its cause.

For more information about Wig Wednesday and to register and donate, visit Wig Wednesday or email wigwednesday@childcancer.org.nz