IN an inspiring display of initiative, compassion and community spirit, a group of Nambucca Valley teenagers have raised nearly $5,000 for brain cancer research.
More than 20 brave participants lose their locks in a head-shaving fundraiser at the Macksville Ex-Services Club on Saturday night.
The group behind the fundraiser, Macksville Youth for Change, was founded by Macksville High School students Hamish Scott (President), Caitlin Laird (Vice President), and Charlie Doherty (Senior Administrator).
It has spearheaded a grassroots campaign to support the Mark Hughes Foundation, an organisation dedicated to funding brain cancer research and raising awareness.
Hamish first conceived the idea during a school debate about health funding.
“We were discussing which deserved more funding – heart disease or brain cancer – and I argued for brain cancer because it affects anyone, even children and newborns, without warning or obvious cause,” he told NOTA.
“After the debate, I learned just how underfunded brain cancer research is, and I knew I wanted to do something about it, even if it was something small.”
What started as a classroom discussion quickly grew into a full-fledged charity event.
With initial hurdles and red tape for a large-scale fundraiser looking to stand in their way, the students took matters into their own hands, forming Macksville Youth for Change to bring their vision to life.
Local barbers then joined the effort, donating their time and talent.
The volunteer head-shaving team included Ashleigh Greaves and Mitchy Morrison from Quick Stop Barber Shop in North Macksville, Deano from Deano’s Barber Shop in Macksville, and Amy Book.
“I am so proud of these amazing young people,” Ashleigh told NOTA.
“I was happy to lend my barber skills to this event as I lost my own mother to this insidious disease 10 years ago, so this cause is very close to my heart.”
While the core group of organisers was small, the success of the fundraiser wouldn’t have been possible without dedicated volunteers like Jasmine Clark who showed up to help at every stage of the project.
So far, Macksville Youth for Change has raised $4,850, with hopes to reach a $5,000 milestone by the end of the month.
The funds will go directly to the Mark Hughes Foundation, helping to support further research into one of Australia’s deadliest and least understood diseases.
By Mick BIRTLES
