Shire’s greatest shaver raises thousands

LINTON local Beck McDonald cut off her long plats and shaved her head earlier in the month for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.

Starting her fundraising campaign in June last year, Ms McDonald has raised over $6000 in seven months, and has also donated her hair to make a wig for someone living with cancer.

At a family fundraising day at the Linton Recreation Reserve, Linton Takeaway’s Cristine Gall and local police officer Craig Walker shaved Ms McDonald’s head as the highest bidders of an auction, after her daughters Isabell and Emily had snipped most of it off with scissors.

Working in aged care with many residents who have experienced cancer, Ms McDonald was inspired to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave.

“I just wanted to do something to raise awareness and help out,” she said.

“When you go through cancer treatment like chemo or radiation, it’s a massive thing to lose your hair.”

Linton Primary School held a crazy hair day in 2021 to raise some funds for the initiative, and Isabell has sold icy poles over the last two school terms for the cause. The Linton Takeaway has also been a major contributor.

“Basically the whole community have been a great support and got behind me, including the Linton Larder, the Linton Pub, the Men’s Shed, and the footy and cricket clubs,” Ms McDonald said.

“At the community day, my kids and my friend’s two kids basically ran fairy floss and showbags, and sold raffle tickets.

“They worked so hard, running around, and if I hadn’t had that support, I don’t think I would have been able to accomplish it. It was fun.”