Michael Paterson and his family have been overwhelmed by the support they received for Michael’s Big Chop for Heartkids last Thursday.

Phoebe, their daughter, was born with transportation of the great arteries and benefited greatly from the Heartkids foundation.

Michael set out to raise a total of $10,000 by shaving his beard and hair off.

That goal was easily surpassed with $5000 being raised on the night of the shave alone. Overall $14,600 was raised.

Mat, of Mat’s Hair Factory, shaved Michael’s head and gave him a heart shape on the back of his head before shaping his beard into one a wizard might have. Michael also sported a very nice moustache briefly before it came off.

“Believe it or not, I have sweated and felt hotter in the last few days than when I had my hair,” Michael said.

The Paterson family would like to thank the more than 60 businesses who donated to the raffle prizes and auction items on the night.

“There were just too many to name, but we appreciate every one of you,” Michael said.

The family gave a special thank you to all the fantastic locals who donated before the event or turned up on the night to cheer Michael on.

Without the volunteers on the night, the event wouldn’t have gone ahead.
Michael and his family also appreciate the generosity of Mat’s Hair Factory, Lakes Entrance Lions and Lionesses clubs and the Mechanics’ Hall committee.

Norm Hutton, the head of Heartkids Victoria, also came down to support the event.

Phoebe, who is studying criminal justice at university in Melbourne, made it as well.

“She was guest speaker at a luncheon event put on by Collingwood footballer, Jayden Stephenson, before jumping on the train and coming here. She arrived at 9.30pm in Lakes and then was on the 5am train back to Melbourne,” Michael said.

PICTURED: Michael and his wife, Rachel, prepare for the big moment at Michael’s Big Chop for Heartkids last Thursday before he showed off his new look with his children Logan, Felicity and Phoebe.