Beth Lehmensich, Religious Education Coordinator at St Anthony’s Primary School, Wanniassa, bravely shaved her head in support of a cancer-free future, raising over $12,000 for the Cancer Council.

Family, friends, staff and students took turns cutting off Beth’s plaits before Brandi from Hair by Simona unveiled the final look. Due to weather conditions and COVID-19 gathering restrictions, the St Anthony’s school community joined in on the fun via a video link.

Beth felt that the cancer statistics for Australians were ‘mind-blowing’ with one in every two Australians diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Inspired by loved ones battling the disease, Beth decided that raising much needed funds for cancer research would be her best ‘counter attack’.

“In the past I have done fun runs, Relay for Life and Girls Night In events however this time I wanted it to feel more personal,” said Beth. “Some of my friends who have had cancer shared with me the impact of losing their hair in treatment, they felt it stripped away a part of them. That was one of the main reasons I chose to shave my head.”

Beth has donated her freshly chopped braids, to be made into wigs for those who have lost their hair while undergoing cancer treatment

“I was completely in awe of the generosity of family, friends and members of my school and Parish community,” said Beth. “Their beautiful messages of support and encouragement made this experience more heartfelt than I could have imagined, however, it was the stories of personal experience that made this event truly special.”

Congratulations Beth!