Nash’s wish overflows – Right: Nash shaved his head to support his grandmother, Faye, who has breast cancer. 62511

Ashleigh Hill-Buxton
NASH Butler might be only nine years old, but he is far wiser and braver than his age betrays.
When his beloved grandmother Faye was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time 10 days before Christmas, his mother Melinda tried to keep it a secret from him and his two siblings.
However, he soon realised that something was wrong when his family became far more emotional around her.
“He’s so young, he’s such a wise little boy for his age,” said Melinda.
After chemotherapy treatment caused his 62-year-old grandmother to lose her hair, Nash decided he wanted to show his support for her by shaving his head.
With some help from his mother, Nash registered with the Jane McGrath Foundation and began to canvass friends, family and schoolmates for potential sponsors.
The foundation is an Australian charity that raises money specifically for breast cancer support and care by providing communities with qualified breast care nurses. After just two days of fundraising, Nash had managed to gain pledges for over $1200.
“We thought maybe he’d raise a few hundred dollars; a gold coin donation from the kids at school, some money from family and friends. It just kind of snowballed – we never thought it would get this big,” said Melinda.
“The people – our family and friends – that we thought would put in five or ten dollars were actually donating between $50-$100. It was just amazing.”
When the night of the shave finally rolled around, he was incredibly nervous, but still determined to go through with the challenge.
With his grandmother beside him the whole step of the way and offering her own kind of support, he shaved his head while being cheered on by family.
“It’s so brave of him to make such a strong decision at such a young age,” said Melinda.
“We’re all so proud of him for doing this.”
Through Nash’s efforts, almsot $1600 has been raised so far. The Berwick Junior Football (BJFC) club is also supporting him on there website. Anyone wanting to donate can do so to account number 596260996 and BSB:013 257.