Cash for cancer at a good clip

By Paul Dunlop
KIM Hancock wants a cure for cancer so badly, she cut off all her hair.
The mother of two from Pakenham Upper was one of many people whose heads were shaved, clipped or coloured in the name of serious fun.
Brave and bighearted residents across Cardinia Shire had their locks lopped as part of the Shave for a Cure fundraiser.
Others chose to have their ’do dyed to help support the Leukaemia Foundation effort.
Mrs Hancock, who raised about $700 for the cause, said she was inspired to do it after losing both her father and grandfather to cancer.
“My dad died 10 years ago and my grandfather eight years ago,” she said. “Anything I can do for cancer, I’m there.”
Mrs Hancock had her hair clipped at the Pakenham Upper salon.
Second time around, after making her shave debut last year, she went twice as short.
“Last year I went a number four, this year I went a number two,” she said.
“Was I nervous? No, not really. Not when it’s for a good cause.
“If I can do a small bit it’s worth it.”
Mrs Hancock’s sons Nathan, 7, and Jordan, 6, had their hair coloured but baulked at matching mum’s sacrifice.
“They had the choice but they went the colour,” she said.
Mrs Hancock said next year she was looking to take her effort even further.
“I am seriously thinking about a number one,” she said.
Officer Primary School children also had their locks lopped last Wednesday.
Jeff Damen, of Tynong, raised more than $1000 despite working up to 75 hours a week.
Mr Damen had his head shaved on Saturday, as did Cardinia Transit bus driver Andrew Douglas.
Andrew’s girlfriend did the honours at the bus depot for the leukaemia fundraiser.
>>> Did you lose your locks for charity? Contact the Gazette at editorstarnewsgroup.com.au