By MELISSA MEEHAN
Judith to lose the locks in support of respite home…
CURLY, straight, dark or grey – bets have been placed on how Judith McGrath’s hair will grow back.
She’s shaving it all off on her 70th birthday later this month and hopes to raise money to help women with cancer while doing it.
“We were thinking of ways to raise money and I thought, I’ll do it, I’ll shave my hair off,” Ms McGrath said.
“And then I thought I could do it on my 70th birthday.
“I’m not nervous at the moment but I am intrigued about how my hair will grow back – I never had to do it during my treatment so it will be interesting.”
All money raised for her big shave will go towards the running of Heather’s Haven, a respite home in Powelltown where women suffering from the disease can get away from the hustle and bustle of life and spend time with the ones they love.
A breast cancer survivor herself, Ms McGrath is part of women’s cancer support group, Yarra Valley Pink Ladies, which provides support and friendship through the battle against cancer.
She said that Heather’s Haven was donated by the husband of a woman in their group in her memory.
“It’s just wonderful that he has provided us their holiday home to offer this to our members,” she said.
“We try to provide food during their stay, too, so any money raised will go to that.”
A total of 19 people have stayed there in the past 18 months.
“It’s a great place where these women, who are very unwell, can go and spend some time with their loved ones,” Ms McGrath said.
“I’m hoping to raise as much as we can, but I’d love to raise $3000.”
Members of the group come from all around the Yarra Ranges, including Yarra Glen, Healesville, Wandin, Woori Yallock, Warburton, Ringwood, Launching Place, Coldstream, Mooroolbark and range in age from 36 to 86 years old.
Ms McGrath will shave her head at Have a Chat Café, (in the IGA building) in Seville on 23 October.
To donate via the tins in shops around the Yarra Ranges or make a deposit at the Wandin Seville Bendigo Community Bank.
