Staff to lose it for leukaemia

Some brave staff from Charles Darwin University will front up for this year’s “World Greatest Shave” to help raise vital funds for Territorians who are affected by blood cancer.

Hairdressing lecturers and students will colour and shave the hair of staff and any other brave souls at an event on Palmerston campus on Tuesday, 15 March.

CDU customer service operator Theresa Fillmore, who will have her long locks shaved by hairdressing lecturer Jo-anne Summerhill, said she was both excited and terrified.

“I am a little nervous about shaving Theresa’s hair,” Ms Summerhill said. “I think it is an amazing thing that she is doing; it shows real guts and courage.”

Ms Fillmore, who lost her mother to cancer three years ago, said she had always wanted to become involved in the event and had grown her hair long especially to take part this year.

“Any event that helps in the fight against cancer or helps to reduce the suffering of those with cancer is worth supporting,” Ms Fillmore said. “I will also donate my hair to ‘Wigs for Kids’, an organisation providing hair replacement systems and support for children who have lost their hair due to an illness such as cancer.”

Ms Fillmore said that 15 staff from CDU’s Palmerston and Casuarina campuses already had signed up to take part, including “Team CDU” lead by Mark Barlow from the Office of Information Technology Management and Support.

“Everyone is welcome to attend or participate,” Ms Fillmore said. “The hairdressing school will be donating their time to shave and colour heads. No donation is too small.”

People can donate or attend the event to shave or colour their hair at the CDU Public Shave event on Tuesday 15 March from 10am to 1pm in the Student Lounge of Building A, Palmerston campus. For more information T: 8946 7801.