Touching reason why Melbourne Demons AFL star Ben Brown shaved off his iconic curly locks

Melbourne Demons star Ben Brown has shaved off his famous locks in honour of his cousin Grace’s battles with leukaemia, and to raise money for kids living with cancer.

The AFL premiership winner, 30, showed off his new streamlined look on Saturday at Yarra Park, where he was surrounded by families and fans to support the noble cause.

Brown will donate the money will donate the takings to the Challenge organisation, a non-profit supporting kids with cancer.

The charity means a lot to the footy star because Brown’s 17-year-old cousin Grace has endured two bouts of leukaemia – and in Brown’s eyes, getting out the clippers was the least he could do.

‘Grace had a pretty tough time of it throughout her life… when she was six, she was diagnosed with leukaemia,’ Brown told Channel 7.

Melbourne Demons star Ben Brown has shaved off his famous locks in honour of his cousin Grace’s battles with leukaemia, and to raise money for kids living with cancer

The AFL premiership winner, 30, showed off his new streamlined look on Saturday at Yarra Park, where he was surrounded by families and fans to support the noble cause

‘She has gone through many years of treatments, many years in hospital, had a few years of everything’s all great and then had a relapse and was diagnosed with leukaemia again.

‘Fortunately, Grace is in remission again for a second time following some amazing new technology that’s come through called CAR T-cell therapy.’

Challenge thanked Brown for his efforts on their official Instagram page.

‘Your support means the world to us, and it will make a tangible difference in the lives of young people like your cousin, Grace, who are facing the immense challenges of cancer,’ Challenge posted.

‘With the funds you have raised, we will be able to provide vital support services, accommodation, and recreational programs to help them through their journeys.

‘It is heartening to see how you have turned your personal experience into a force for good, and we are honoured to be a part of that journey. Your compassion and kindness are a true testament to the power of the human spirit, and we are proud to call you a friend of Challenge.

‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, and for reminding us all that in times of hardship, we can still find hope and strength through the support of our communities.’

Brown says his cousin, who also has Down Syndrome, is back at school and very happy.

Brown says his cousin, who also has Down Syndrome, is back at school and very happy

Brown, who made his AFL debut in 2014 with North Melbourne, admitted he hasn’t cut his hair in ten years

‘Obviously, she’s had developmental challenges along the journey particularly given that with all the time spent in the hospital and dealing with these multiple cancers she’s missed a lot of school,’ he told 7NEWS.com.au.

‘She’s an amazing kid, she’s the life of the room, she loves a party, she loves to dance … the moment anyone meets her she just makes anyone’s day better.

‘The world is such a better place with Grace in it and I’m really proud to have her as my cousin and I couldn’t imagine life without her.’

Brown, who made his AFL debut in 2014 with North Melbourne, admitted he hasn’t cut his hair in ten years.

The Demons tackle the Bulldogs in their 2023 season opener on March 18 at the MCG.