Torquay duo take part in World’s Greatest Shave

TWO Torquay residents have rallied to assist the Leukaemia Foundation find a cure for blood cancer by shaving their heads and raising almost $2000.

A personal connection to Leukemia drove housemates and close friends Belinda Cini and Monique Crowden to take part in this year’s World’s Greatest Shave, raising $1,923.

“So many people are battling with Leukaemia, and we have a friend who has had Leukaemia and is in remission. Plus it’s a great cause,” Ms Crowden said.

“I was very emotional and excited.

“It was overwhelming, but it felt good to have lots of support watching us both.”

Supported by Leisure Networks, both women organised a morning tea to launch their fundraising campaign, which was followed by inviting friends and family to join them at the All Aboard disABILITY Support Service monthly hang-out at the Salvation Army Church in Torquay, before all were invited to the head shaving main event late-last month.

“Bel and Mon did let us know early on that their friendship is one filled with fun and mischief,” Leisure Networks Independent Living Team Leader Louise Unsworth said.

“Then a couple of months ago they decided to take up the World’s Greatest Shave Challenge.

“I’m really proud of what Mon and Bel achieved.

“It’s not just the money that they raised, which is great, but it was a really noble gesture that demonstrates to all of us how true beauty comes from inside.”

The two fundraisers noted there were a few nerves along the way, but the brave housemates went all the way, showing true resilience and strength, joining a cast of over two-million Australians that have participated over the past 25 years to support the Leukaemia Foundation.