FAMILY, friends and the school community of St Anthony’s Primary School, Toowoomba, took time out of their busy schedules on the morning of May 6, to support eight-year-old Isabella Mackay “Shave for a Cure”.
Isabella was willing to sacrifice her hair to raise funds for her grandfather who is receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia.
“It means that I have raised some money and I can cure some cancer; I want to help my grandpa,” Isabella said.
St Anthony’s principal Paul Ryan said the school community had rallied behind Isabella’s cause.
“What an extraordinarily brave thing to do as an eight-year-old,” Mr Ryan said.
“Her goal is to raise $5000 that will fund the laboratory costs of a researcher working on a major blood cancer research project for three months.”
Leukaemia Foundation community fundraising officer Emma Quade addressed the crowd after Isabella’s new haircut.
“Shaving off her very long hair is a massive effort and it has raised a lot of money which will go to the World’s Greatest Shave, helping to support our patients and anyone suffering blood cancer in Queensland,” Ms Quade said.
“She is one of only a few children to do this at her age; she’s done a fantastic job.”
Isabella’s parents Bradley and Robyn Mackay and her grandfather Gordon Bingham said they were amazed at her selfless act.
Donations can be made at https://goo.gl/gZXoHw, or the St Anthony’s school office.
