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Leon losing his locks

Armstrong man shaving off his long hair for brain cancer research at Party on the Parkade Saturday
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Leon Siddons hasn’t cut his hair in 30 years. His long, below-the-shoulder, brownish/auburn locks have been a defining feature for the Spallumcheen man (formerly of England) for the majority of his life.

“I’ve had long hair since I was 14,” said the now 43-year-old, whose other defining feature is his English accent. “I normally let it get down to my nipple and then I get it trimmed.”

Through the hippy days to whipping it around like a tornado on the weekends, Siddons’ hair has been a staple of his life.

Now, he is finally taking the scissors to his tresses, although some tears are sure to be shed by friends and family who will miss the mane. And he will make the big cut June 17 at the Party on the Parkade.

That’s where the big reveal of just what’s under all that hair will take place.

“We’re all intrigued to see what shape of head I have,” laughed Siddons, whose hair is almost as long as his wife Paula’s.

But he’s not letting his mop go for nothing - Siddons is raising money for brain cancer research.

His inspiration doesn’t stem from a personal connection or loss due to the disease, he simply wants to help out the cause.

“It’s just hair,” said Siddons, a father of two boys.

It was Lindsay James, a friend of the late Melissa Gobbett (who died following a courageous battle with brain cancer), who unknowingly inspired Siddons.

“It was her passion and enthusiasm,” he said, after watching her tell Gobbett’s story at the recent Heroes Amazing Race.

“She stood up and she spoke and she got emotional.”

So he thought, why not?

And the response so far has been incredible.

With an entire family in the UK cheering him on, plus all of his Canadian friends, Siddons has already raised more than $500. And that was his original goal when he started. Therefore the goal has been bumped up to $1,000.

To help out the cause visit https://www.gofundme.com/leon-is-shaving-it-all-off.

But Siddons isn’t the only one cutting it off. The Party on the Parkade event is a Vernon Heroes fundraiser for Brain Cancer Research. The event includes entertainment by AMISTAD and DJ PK, games, contests, food trucks and a head-shaving event. The Gentleman’s Shop and Shave Parlour will have barber chairs set up for anyone who has volunteered to shave their head in support of brain cancer research. Tickets to the event are $20 (but free for Siddons and those raising funds to shave their head) and available at eventbrite.com (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/party-on-the-parkade-tickets-31083179627)

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Leon Siddons (left), with his wife Paula, took part in the Heroes Amazing Race, where he gleaned the inspiration to cut the hair he’s been growing out for 30 years. (Heroes Amazing Race photo)


Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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