Wagin cousins shave in solidarity

Taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave has special significance for Wagin cousins Londa Finlayson and Evelyn Iles, who lost their aunt to bowel cancer in January 2018.

“We always said that if she lost her hair we would shave ours alongside her,” Ms Finlayson said. “Fortunately she never did, but since then we’ve then had other family members affected by blood cancer.”

Ms Finlayson said the pair were also doing it to show support for the Wagin family of 14-year-old Milli Lucas, who lost her four-year battle with cancer earlier this month.

“We’ve all been affected by cancer in one form or another, and to me, doing this isn’t just about making a statement,” she said.

“It’s about showing your support a little bit deeper — it’s an emotional gesture.

“We want to do this as a show of our absolute respect to the families who endure this, and the fighters and survivors.”

The shave is scheduled for March 13, with Ms Finlayson and Ms Iles hoping to hold an event at the Palace Hotel in Wagin with family and friends.

With a fundraising goal of $5000, they are revving up their fundraising efforts by holding events such as afternoon teas and placing tins throughout town.

“Our aim is $5000 but we’re really hoping to be able to go above and beyond,” Ms Finlayson said.

“Even if we can’t get to that, though, any money raised for the cause is going to be well worth it.”

To donate, visit bit.ly/38U5h6P.