mmg.com.au

Heathcote’s Judy Polson was sporting a new hairstyle last Thursday after taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave to help raise money for blood cancer research.

The Heathcote Health staff member made a commitment to shave her head after speaking to one of the hospital residents who talked about her experience as a cancer patient.

‘‘She was saying how scared her daughter was after (her mother’s) operation,’’ Ms Polson said.

The conversation inspired Ms Polson to sign up for this year’s challenge.

She has been supported by many Heathcote businesses, while friends, family and colleagues have been spreading the word in person and via social media.

Jim McKenzie McHarg, who wielded the clippers, has been personally affected by leukaemia.

He said his family received a lot of help from the Leukaemia Foundation after his wife’s diagnosis.

Mr McKenzie McHarg said he was touched to be asked to perform the shave and he kept the crowd of Heathcote Health staff and residents laughing with a stream of jokes.

He was asked how it compared to shearing.

‘‘I’ve done an odd sheep in my time, she didn’t wriggle as much as the old ewes,’’ he said.

‘‘She was very patient.’’

Donations can still be made to Ms Polson’s campaign.

To donate, visit www.worldsgreatestshave.com and follow the links to ‘search for a shaver’.