SELFLESS: Vanessa Roberts will lead a group head shave later this month in support of her friend Tess, who is critically ill with cancer.
WHEN her best friend called her sobbing because her hair was falling out in clumps, Vanessa Roberts knew she had to do something.
But what started as a small act of goodwill has snowballed into a mammoth charity event that will see at least eight local women shaving their heads at the end of this month.
Mrs Roberts has been through a lot with her friend Tess, who is suffering secondary cancer of the blood after she was diagnosed with Bowen's Disease a form of skin cancer four years ago.
Eight weeks ago, 36-year-old Tess was struck down with pneumonia which forced the local mum-of-four to postpone vital chemotherapy treatment.
She has endured Parkinson's disease, a collapsed lung and countless hospital visits but for Tess, losing her hair was the breaking point.
"I've sat with Tess in emergency when she thought she was going to die; she'd lost feeling in one side of her body," Mrs Roberts said.
"But she's adamant she's going to keep fighting this until the very end."
In a show of support for her friend, Mrs Roberts will shave her head publically at Griffith Central on Saturday, February 23, along with a group of at least seven other people.
She has set a target of $10,000 for the fundraiser which she will donate to Can Assist charity.
On Saturday, February 9, Mrs Roberts has organised a morning tea at Cincotta Chemist at Griffin Plaza, where locals can make a donation in return for a yummy treat and a cuppa from 9.30am.
The following Saturday, February 16, Mrs Roberts will hold a sausage sizzle outside Harvey Norman.
On the big day, Mrs Roberts will take to the stage at Griffith Central at midday, following a dance concert and raffle draw.
She will be selling raffle tickets up until that day with scores of fantastic prizes on offer.
"This started as a shave for Tess but now so many people have been telling me their stories and I realise she's not an exclusive case cancer affects everyone."
Mrs Roberts is now calling for donations though Griffith Leagues Club has generously boosted the fund with a $2000 gift.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation or offer support can call Mrs Roberts on 0400 554 080.