Pippa Funneman, 11, and her school friends celebrated Telethon in a sea of colour and style on Friday as wheelchair users and other children had the opportunity to ride accessible bikes and tricycles around the school carpark.
Later in the afternoon, Pippa’s friend Ian “Cowboy” Logan arrived at the school on a motorcycle, where he sacrificed his beard, which had not been shaved in more than 45 years.
Bike riders break from school to ride laps around the carpark. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian
The fundraiser has already raised more than $21,000. Pippa’s mum Rochelle Funneman said Telethon buckets would be collected and counted in the coming days, adding to the fundraising total.
Cowboy’s idea to get shaved came out of his love for Pippa. He wanted to raise $10,000 for Telethon by shaving his beard, but only if it was Pippa.
No chance would he give anyone else the honour.
Principal Rachel Rutter, Rochelle Funneman, Pippa, Cowboy and his mates. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian
Adults rode exercise bikes for hours, pushing through with the help of the kids’ excitement and joy.
Cowboy said he had known Pippa since she was born and shared a close connection with her family.
“I want to do something, not just for Pippa. She’s the reason behind it all, but it’s gonna go to a good cause, Telethon,” he said.
“I’m just so happy that everybody else got behind it and we were hoping for 10 grand, but we’ve doubled that and more, so it’s good.”
Ian “Cowboy” Logan before the shave. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian
First published by The Geraldton Guardian