ARCHIE Chisholm, a young man just shy of his 16th birthday, is already showing compassion for those affected by cancer.

Today (Wednesday, 30 April), Archie will shave off his long locks in support of people living with blood cancer, including leukaemia.

He’s been growing his hair since Grade 6 and is now in Year 10.

“I’m pretty much sick of it,” he said.

“I’m tired of having this long hair and wanted a change, so decided I would shave it for a cause.”

Asked why he chose to shave it off rather than simply cut it shorter, Archie said, “I am raising money for someone who has blood cancer.”

His hair will also be donated to the charity Wigs for Kids.

There isn’t a specific person Archie is shaving for — just the cause itself.

“Last year my school did it to raise money, so I thought I would do it this year," he said.

Archie attends school at Mansfield Autism and has full support from his teachers.

He initially set a fundraising goal of $1000, which he has already surpassed — reaching $1595 to date, with donations still open.

The big shave will take place at 12.30pm today at his school on Ogilvys Road.

Archie’s mum, Stacey, said they chose Wigs for Kids in particular because some other charities use donated hair for other purposes, such as making brooms for cleaning up oil spills — rather than wigs to help those with cancer.

At school, Archie enjoys science, history, and cooking, and he says he loves the new farm environment at Mansfield Autism.

It’s not too late to support Archie’s cause — scan the barcode below to visit his donation page and read more about why he’s taking part.

And in preparation for his cooler head, Archie already has a beanie ready, courtesy of his uncle.

Well done, Archie — and good luck with today’s shave.