This time last year, a small group of ambitious students from Port Hacking High School decided they wanted to brave the shave for Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave, one of Australia's biggest and most-loved fundraising events.
With the initial intention of raising $500, the school's response ended up being quite impressive in 2018 - a group of 25 participants across all year levels, raised more than $19,500, placing their school as the largest first-time fundraiser in NSW.
But this year the effort was greater. A total of 36 students and three teachers raised more than $30,000. It places the school as the fourth highest team in the state. There also to lend a hand was Barbers Point Gymea.
Top shavers and traditionally strong performers, Engadine High School, are in first place, raising more than $50,000.
All proceeds support the 100,000 Australians living with blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and Myelodysplastic Disorder.
Blood cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia.
Close to 13,000 Australians are diagnosed each year, but recent analysis showed the number would increase to about 17,000 people by 2025.
Demand for the support services offered by foundation has already reached an all-time high and is predicted to boom within the next decade.
Lucy Day, 15, a first-time participant and second highest fundraiser after one of her teachers, had her long locks snipped off. She was also supported by her employer, Putt Planet, Miranda.
"It's a wonderful cause, and I've always wanted to do something to help," the year 11 student from Jannali said.
"While no one in my family has had leukaemia, there is some breast cancer. One of my close neighbours has leukaemia, so it's sentimental because of that."
