On Saturday 18 March Jonah Macqueen will shave his head for the fifth time.
It’s not a fashion statement or a cool new look, Jonah will shave his head to raise much needed funds for cancer services and research into the deadly disease.
Jonah, 10, said he was watching TV one day when he saw an advertisement for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave and was instantly motivated to help people suffering from cancer.
“At the time I was saddened by the kids that were sick and wanted to help. I asked my dad if I could do it and he signed me up straight away,” he said.
“This is my fifth year doing the shave. I am very lucky to be healthy and I just want to do all I can to help those that are suffering.”
Just like many other families throughout Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, Jonah’s family has experienced the impacts of the disease.
“Cancer has impacted my life a bit over the last couple of years with my dad being diagnosed in 2015 and my grandmother in 2016,” he said.
“My other grandmother lost her battle with cancer just before I was born.”
Jonah wanted to help in his own way so every year he and his dad, James, hit the streets to drum-up support for his yearly shave.
“The generosity of local businesses, residents, friends and family has helped me raise over $5500 since I have started,” he said.
“My school, Eumundi State School, supports the shave each year with a crazy hair day helping raise much needed funds.”
Jonah will join other brave shavers on Saturday 18 March at the Sunshine Plaza for the World’s Greatest Shave event.
Throughout Australia, more than 20,000 people will shave their heads on the day to raise awareness for blood cancer.
All funds raised on the day go to the Leukaemia Foundation to support research into blood cancer and related disorders.
Jonah hopes to raise more than $1600 and anyone who would like to support the World’s Greatest Shave can donate via www.my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/jonahmacqueen.
