Cold for cash

By Rebecca Fraser
HAMPTON Park’s Karly Halsall is feeling the cold a little more than most this winter after shaving her head for cancer.
This was the second time that the congregation member at the Berwick Church of Christ had parted with her locks in a bid to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.
The 19-year-old said she would consider doing it again.
Ms Halsall was spurred on to sign up for the World’s Greatest Shave after a youth leader at the church passed away from leukaemia four years ago.
She said Andrea Thorogood had been a big inspiration in her life and she now wanted to help raise funds for the disease that had claimed her life.
Since parting with her hair two weeks ago the university student has raised $900 for the cause and is still hoping to attract donations.
Ms Halsall said her new look attracted many different looks from passers-by, but her friend and family were very proud of what she had achieved.
“Some people look at you life you are a freak and others give you that ‘oh, you poor thing’ look.
“I have been wearing beanies and hooded jumpers since I did it but my nanna loves it and likes how it looks,” she said.
Ms Halsall said it would take two years to grow her hair back but she had no regrets about the shave.
“The money really does make such a difference and helps pay for transport, research and temporary accommodation. I would encourage lots of people to do it next year,” she said.
The Leukemia Foundation is a non-profit organisation that cares for people who are diagnosed with leukemia, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders, with more than 100,000 people participating annually.
Over the past seven years the organisation has raised more than $46 million towards medical treatment and assisting families during times of crisis.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan donated funds to Ms Halsall and congratulated her on her brave feat.
“It is fantastic to see local young people being involved in raising much needed funds for a worthy organisation,” he said.