Shave for a Cure is on again and promises to see many more thousands of Kiwis lose their locks for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

The hair-razing event which aims to raise money to support the six Kiwis diagnosed every day with a blood cancer will be held this year from March 20-26, 2017.

It's estimated more than 21,000 New Zealanders are living with a blood cancer or a related condition.

One of the first shaves for 2017 saw engineering student William Cran having his hair famously lopped off by none other than actor Mel Gibson live on the Jimmy Kimmel show.

'I was in Los Angeles just checking out Hollywood Boulevard, when a show producer asked if I was up for a haircut. I wasn't planning to get cut my hair so soon and as I had been growing it for three years, I had also become quite attached to it.”

'But I figured why not, only to find that Mel Gibson was doing the job. The great news was I had the last laugh getting to shave off his beard.”

'It was after the Jimmy Kimmel show that William signed up for Shave for a Cure.

While William got a bit ahead of the scheduled Shave for a Cure dates, he's still keen to shave and continues fundraising to reach his target.

Shave for a Cure has been around for more than 15 years and is known as an iconic fundraising event.

It attracts Kiwis from across New Zealand – mums and dads, students, business and trades people, celebrities and even the SKYCITY NZ Breakers basketball team, all keen to help those living with a blood cancer or related conditions.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand chief executive officer Pru Etcheverry says she's always blown away by people like William who are prepared to step up for others in need.

'We're so appreciative of those who shave and those who donate to support the thousands of people affected by a blood cancer diagnosis.

'They, with the help of their friends, families and colleagues managed to raise around $1.3 million in 2016 which is critical as we don't receive any Government funding.”

Pru says the money raised from Shave for a Cure means the foundation can continue providing not only support for patients and their families, but we also fund vital research, create awareness and advocate on behalf of patients.

Farmers is supporting Shave for a Cure once again for the fifth year and will be holding public shaves at selected stores.

For more information or to sign up, visit: shaveforacure.co.nz

KEY FACTS ABOUT BLOOD CANCERS

• Every day, 6 New Zealanders are diagnosed with a blood cancer - that's about 2,200 New Zealanders a year.
• The cause of blood cancers is unknown.
• These diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning.
• Immediate treatment may be necessary and that treatment can go on for months or even years.