Mrs Holledge said that she was surprised when her daughter announced she would have her hair shaved off.

“I was shocked that she would do it because she loves her hair,” Mrs Holledge said.

“Us patients don’t have a choice, whereas she does get to choose so I was very touched that she would do that.”

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But Mrs Sawyer said her decision is justified.

“Hair grows back, and it’s nothing compared to what these people have to go through,” Mrs Sawyer said.

“It took me a long time to convince myself to do it but it’s my way of helping.”

Mrs Holledge was diagnosed with terminal multiple myeloma in March 2017 after breaking her back.

According to the Leukaemia Foundation, myeloma is a relatively rare disease which accounts for approximately 1 per cent of all cancers.

When myeloma cells multiply, they crowd the bone marrow and prevent it from making normal numbers of red and cells, and platelets, making it easier to break bones.

Mrs Sawyer has already passed her goal of $700 and has her sights set on raising $1500.

“It’s surprising how much it helps with accommodation and travel for people who live in regional areas,” she said.

The community can donate to her cause by visiting the World’s Greatest Shave website and searching for her name.

Her hair will be shaved on February 9 at her house with her family and friends there.

The World’s Greatest Shave began in 1998 and is now one of Australia’s biggest fundraising events, with more than 2 million Australians having taken part over the past two decades.

For more information, visit their website.

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