There are less than 600 signatures required to have new anti bullying legislation debated in NSW Parliament after a Wollongong mum and her partner shaved off all their hair to raise awareness.
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Mel Graham stepped up in front of hundreds of people at Eat Street Markets in Crown Street Mall on the eve of National Anti Bullying Day for the Brave Shave for Bullying.
Mrs Graham spoke about the journey her late daughter Jessica Tolhurst had been on as the subject of teenage bullying inside and outside school before it claimed her life at the age of 14.
Joined by husband David Graham on stage in the centre of the mall Mrs Graham stuggled to maintain composure towards the end as her long hair was shaved off to try and prevent other teenagers and families from having to go through what Jessica Tolhurst and the Grahams experienced a few short years ago.
Every day is still a struggle for the Graham’s who are always thinking about how the 14 year old experienced what no child should have to endure.
The emotions are still raw for Mrs Graham but on Thursday night she was bouyed by the support of so many including others who took the stage to have their heads shaved for the cause.
Mrs Graham does not describe herself as brave for having all her hair shaved off for the cause.
She is just doing everything she can to raise awareness to try and stop teenage bullying and provide support to those experiencing it.
I actually get a lot more chances for my hair to grow back but I don’t even get a second chance with my daughter
- Mel Graham
“My reason for shaving all my hair all off is I thought about it and I actually get a lot more chances for my hair to grow back but I don’t even get a second chance with my daughter. At the end of the day it is only hair and it is for a really good cause,” she said.
Others to have their hair shaved included a teenage friend of the the family, two young men and proud mum Emily Squires brought along her three young sons and some of their friends.
Jack, Charlie and Oscar Squires raised more than $7500 prior to having their blonde locks cut off. Their initial target was $1000 but have now passed $7650 and are still taking donations on gofundme.
Mr and Mrds Graham formed the Bobdan Foundation as part of their fight to try and stop teenage bullying. They are raising funds for a 24 hour helpline as a support to help victims of bullying and started a petition to have new legislation debated in NSW Parliament. They presently heading towards 9500 signatures and only need 10,000 to make the important debate happen.
“We thought it was time to do a bit of serious fundraising if we can and help us get this through parliament and do what we need to do to save the kids,” Mr Graham said.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
