All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock shaves hair, beard for charity

  • 03/12/2017
Sam Whitelock is unrecognisable after shaving all his hair for charity.
Sam Whitelock is unrecognisable after shaving all his hair for charity. Photo credit: Supplied

All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock is unrecognisable after shaving his hair and beard for the Chalky Charitable Trust.

The 29-year-old made the change to help raise money for Isla Lunn, whose mother died from breast cancer earlier in the year.

The fundraiser was set up by former All Blacks logistics manager Kevin "Chalky" Carr, who has terminal cancer.

Whitelock, who is a close friend of Carr, decided to get involved and help Carr reach his goal of $100,000.

In September Whitelock, a close friend of Carr's, shaved the heads of Carr and his two sons as part of the Givealittle campaign

The 95-Test All Black is known for his hair and bushy beard.

Speaking to Andrew Gourdie and Jim Kayes on RadioLIVE's Sunday Sport, he said he was happy to get rid of it all to help contribute to a great cause.

"My hair and beard has just been shaved off for a great cause. The Chalky Carr Trust has persuaded me to lose the locks.

"Chalky had some bad news and was diagnosed with cancer, and it's terminal, which isn't nice to hear from anybody involved, but he hasn't let that get him down.

Sam Whitelock against Wales.
Sam Whitelock against Wales. Photo credit: Getty Images

"He's gone out there and found this beautiful little girl and he's decided to set up his trust, and he's set a goal to raise $100,000 for her. She doesn't have cancer, but she lost her single-parent mother earlier in the year with breast cancer.

"Chalky wants to set up a little nest egg for her later on in life. He is putting all his time and effort into it."

Carr already has more plans to raise money once they reach the $100,000 goal.

"The latest count I heard was it has reached $75,000. We are getting very close, so this is a big push to get that first major project Chalky has lined up done.

"The thing is Chalky is never satisfied. He already has his second one ready to go, so once he finishes this one he is looking at setting up some chairs in the Christchurch hospital, perfectly made for people having chemotherapy so they are really comfortable."

Whitelock is now resting up after a gruelling season, which saw him lead the Crusaders to Super Rugby glory and also a long All Blacks season.

He has already got a few comments from people about his new look, including his wife.

"I have already had a few comments about being a bald eagle. It is great in the summer because it was hot when we got home.

"The whole time Hannah and I have been married, she's been telling me to get my hair short, but I'm lazy when it comes to shaving and my beard.

"It grows back pretty quick. Sometimes it's easier to let it go and sort it out every month or so."

You can contribute to the Chalky Carr Trust here.

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