By Bridget Brady
A CRANBOURNE mother will leave her blonde hair behind when she shaves her head for a good cause next month.
Leanne Lindner, 32, will shave her head on 14 March as part of the World’s Greatest Shave to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.
And the Leukaemia Foundation could not be a more worthy recipient of the money, Mrs Lindner said.
“My dad, Bob, was diagnosed with leukaemia six years ago and was given five years to live. He is still going strong because of the Leukaemia Foundation. I’m in awe of what they do.”
Mrs Lindner had just moved to Cranbourne West when she heard about her dad’s illness. “It was very devastating. I decided to have a baby so dad could see a grandchild. I had a daughter and he was so happy. Now he is still around and I have a boy as well … he was thrilled.”
Mrs Lindner said her dad was shocked, but very proud of her decision to shave her head.
“At first he thought I was crazy. Dad said ‘don’t be silly’, but I thought this is my decision. Other people who have cancer don’t have a choice. I’m doing this to raise money.”
And Mrs Lindner has the support of the community in her goal to raise $2000.
The Cranbourne Guides will cook a sausage sizzle at Mrs Lindner’s house on the day of the shave. St Agatha’s Primary School will also lend a helping hand to raise money and Cranbourne gym Fitness Shack will have a collection point for people to donate money.
“Dad was diagnosed about four months after he retired. We all joked and said to him he should not have stopped working. I just can’t wait to do this … I’m so excited and I hope to raise as much money as I can.”
People can drop money off at Fitness Shack in Cranbourne or donate through the website www.worldsgreatestshave.com.au and search for Mrs Lindner.