Matt King tells Will Coyte it’s all coming off
South Sydney Rabbitohs Matt King, Dave Tyrrell and Chris McQueen are shaving their heads to raise money for Down syndrome.
The genetic condition affects around 1 in 800 babies in Australia.
South’s centre King, famous for his mass of brown dreadlocks, said he couldn’t wait to get rid of his “mop”.
This cause has personal meaning for the burly NRL footballer.
“My little baby girl was born last year and the pediatrician first thought she may have Down syndrome,” King says.
“My wife and I went through a period of four or five days when we weren’t sure what the outcome was going to be.
“In our case, our little girl didn’t have Downs but we got a pretty good insight into what new parents must go through.”
King said he had always wanted to help out Down syndrome and was happy to do it through a haircut.
“I’m not a teenager anymore so I’ve got to look a bit more respectable,” laughed King.
The three players will lose their hair live on Channel Nine’s NRL Footy Show at 9.30pm on June 7, with three young people with Down syndrome doing the shaving.
The three – Bridget Parker (23), Will Kelso (3) and Jayden Hawkey (12) – enjoyed passing a footy around with the players and taking a tour of the South Sydney Rabbitohs facilities in Redfern last week.
Miriam Parker, mother of Bridget, praised the efforts of the players to raise awareness about Down syndrome.
“It’s wonderful to see the players spend time with our kids. I feel it’s important because as a parent, I want others to see that our children are just as much a blessing and a joy as other children.”
All funds raised will go to Down Syndrome NSW, with donations fully tax deductible.
Fans/friends are encouraged to get involved in the Shave a Bunny campaign by donating at www.shaveabunny.com.au
