By Esther Lauaki
Romsey footballer Ayden Tessari is hard to miss on the oval with his long golden locks.
But the 26-year-old’s dreads are about to get the chop for the R U OK charity in December.
The suicide prevention organisation aims to remind people that having meaningful conversations with mates and loved ones could save lives.
Tessari said he decided to go under the clippers for the cause to inspire young men such as himself to talk about their mental health.
“It seems like everyone around my age group and people that I know have been affected by suicide or mental illness and depression in some way,” he said.
“I’ve chosen R U OK because depression is an illness that takes far too many lives and there is so much that we still don’t know about the mechanics of it all.
“The ultimate goal is to raise awareness for the charity and let everyone know that it’s OK not to be OK.”
Tessari has already raised $1100 towards his $5000 goal. He said he’s daunted by the thought of shedding his locks – but “there’s no backing out now”.
People have until December 15 to donate.
Details: bit.ly/2EvDcFT
