Jacob Hogarth ditches the mullet for the World's Greatest Shave

At the time of reporting, the Renwick resident has raised $2499, which means his new mullet has become a distant memory, after it was shaved off on March 15.

The father, who works for the Leukemia Foundation (LF), which hosts the annual fundraiser for blood cancers, was inspired by the stories he has come across over the years.

These could be from people who were battling cancer, have achieved remission, those who have lost someone, and found out their children were disgnosed.

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While he had no experiences with blood cancer and could only imagine its impacts, these were stories that "cut straight to the core".

"As a father, those stories impact me," he said.

"It' really hard not to put yourself in the shoes of that person...

"It's amazing to see the bravery of those who have faced it or those who have lost someone."

According to the LF, more than 135,000 people in Australia currently live with a blood cancer, where 53 people are diagnosed, and 18 lose their lives on a daily basis.

By 2035, this diagnosis statistic is expected to double.

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Funds raised from the shaves are dedicated to research, and offering cancer patients, and their loved ones with financial, emotional and practical support.

This includes things such as counselling, and free accommodation for those who have to travel far for treatments.

Mr Hogarth said there was a "big discrepancy of the quality of treatments depending on where you live", and the LF was determined to "try and level the playing field".

He is one of thousands of people who will shave, cut, or dye their hair during "Shave Week", from March 15 to 19.

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The World's Greatest Shave is celebrating its 25^th year this year.

More than two million people have put up their hand to take part over the years, with an estimation of 39,000 kilograms of hair removed.

The Highlands participant said the event not only had a financial impact, but also raised much-needed awareness.

"For people going through blood cancer, seeing that many people stand in their corner has a massive impact on morale," he said.

While he looked forward to raising funds and awareness, the change in hairstyle was also an exciting change.

As someone who has had long hair since he was 16, it was a welcoming change, where he liked the idea of "diving into the ocean with a shaved head" after March 15.

People can help Jacob raise funds through his page on the World's Greatest Shave website, and donations can be made until June 30.

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