By Peter Douglas
Monbulk grandmother of 16, Frances Loke, is preparing to shave off her beloved long locks, all in the name of charity.
In honour of her daughter’s sister-in-law, Nicole Mhatre, Ms Loke will participate in a World’s Greatest Shave event, which will be held at midday on Saturday 18 March.
The Hot Rods and Whitewalls salon in Monbulk will host the event, with the clippers set to be unleashed on Ms Loke, in front of what is sure to be a large crowd.
Ms Loke said Nicole’s leukaemia diagnosis came so unexpectedly that she felt she needed to help.
“We were only recently in India to see her get married to her husband, Akshay,” she said.
“She was just so happy.
“But when they returned from their honeymoon, Nicole didn’t feel well.
“After blood tests, she found out she had leukaemia.”
Ms Loke said it had come as a huge shock to Nicole and her family.
“It turned all their plans for life upside down, such as having children and starting a family,” Ms Loke said.
“I didn’t know what to do; I felt that I needed to do something.
“I’ve got long hair, so I thought I’d shave my hair.”
Ms Loke said Nicole, who was a nurse at Frankston hospital, and her husband had both needed great support, as they took on this challenge.
She said places like the Leukaemia Foundation had been fantastic for many families.
“They do so much more than just research,” she said.
“They provide counselling and support to families who are going through this ordeal.”
Ms Loke urged all those within the community to join her at the World’s Greatest Shave event.
To show your support, donate through Ms Loke’s fund-raising page at http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/francesloke.
