A seven-year-old boy’s love of a mullet has inspired a community fundraising effort which has raised more than £13,000 for children and young people with cancer.
Friends, rugby teammates and local parents came together at Exmouth Rugby Club on Sunday, November 1, in support of Iggy Rejzl, who is receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Before his first chemotherapy treatment, Iggy had one important mission – to get himself a mullet. However, the effects of his treatment meant he soon lost his hair, including his much-loved hairstyle.
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Determined to show their support, 21 people took part in the Mullet Mission fundraiser for Young Lives vs Cancer, including Iggy’s father Adam, his teammates and other members of the local community.
Family friend Laura Bacon said: “An incredible 21 people took on the Mullet Mission on Sunday - including Iggy’s Dad Adam, Iggy’s teammates and local parents and friends.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to Exmouth Rugby Club, the Exmouth Under 8’s, local businesses and everyone who so generously donated raffle prizes, gave their time to cut hair, provided children’s entertainment capture photographs, and made homemade cakes.
“We were particularly touched that the Exmouth First Team got a mullet haircut themselves on the Saturday and the First, Second and Third Teams also made donations to support Iggy’s fundraising instead.
“The support, generosity and community spirit shown throughout the Mullet Mission has been tremendous. Thank you so much to everyone involved for making the day so special.”
Iggy’s mother, Ellie Rejzl, said the family had been overwhelmed by the kindness shown since his diagnosis.
She said: “On behalf of our family, we want to say a huge thank you to Exmouth Rugby Club, our wonderful friends Laura, Rachel, Vic, Janine and everyone else who has worked so hard to make the Mullet Mission happen.
“Since Iggy’s diagnosis, we’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and support we’ve received from our friends, family, and the wider community. To see so many people come together for Iggy and raise more than £13,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer is incredibly moving.
“Knowing that this money will help other children and families facing cancer means so much to us.
“One of the highlights of the day was seeing Iggy well enough to come along, spend time with his friends and be back at the rugby club he loves. Seeing so many mullets in his honour definitely brought a smile to his face.”
Young Lives vs Cancer’s specialist social workers provide day-to-day support to children, young people and their families from the point of diagnosis.
The charity also provides free accommodation close to hospitals so families can stay together during treatment, alongside grants to help with the additional costs associated with cancer.
According to the charity, it supported 122 young cancer patients from Devon last year.
Liz Blunt, senior fundraising engagement manager for Devon at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “Team Iggy created an incredible day that really demonstrated the power of community. It was wonderful to see so many people come together in support of Iggy and his family.
“A special thank you goes to Laura, Vic, Rachel and Janine whose hard work helped make the Mullet Mission such a success, as well as everyone at Exmouth Rugby Club for their excellent support.
“The love for Iggy and family was very apparent, and it was a pleasure to meet them. I am so pleased that they have been able to stay in CLIC House, which is our ‘Home from Home’ in Bristol, where most of Iggy’s treatment has taken place so far.”
The charity relies on donations to continue supporting children and young people facing cancer and their families.
Donations to the fundraising effort can still be made through the Team Iggy Mullet Mission fundraising page.
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