It was when her Aunt started to lose her hair that Robyn started thinking about shaving her own hair off, as a show of support.

It was as if fate had decided it for Robyn when her friend and hairdresser, Julie, discovered the  to break the Guinness World Record for ‘The most heads shaved simultaneously’ at the 2014 Canberra Relay For Life at the Australian Institute of Sport  on Saturday 29 March.

Relay For Life is an emotionally charged 24 hour team event. It is open to everyone in the community, with teams of 10 to 15 people challenging themselves to keep their baton moving in a relay style walk or run around AIS Stadium. The event involves on-site overnight camping and enjoys a community festival atmosphere with entertainment, food stalls, games and family activities held throughout the 24 hours. The event is a great way for the Canberra community to get together and have some fun, while at the same time raising much needed funds for Cancer Council ACT.

As part of the 2014 Relay for Life there will be 200 people shaving 200 heads, ‘going bald for the cause’ and attempting to break the previous World Record of 179 heads shaved at one time (currently held by the Irish Cancer Council).  This is Canberra’s opportunity to break an international world record!

I would say that I’m not particularly precious about my hair, but I really wouldn’t like to shave it off. When I asked Robyn if she was apprehensive about having her hair shaved she said she wasn’t at all. “It’s okay for me because I know my hair will grow back fine, but for some people their hair never grows back the same after cancer treatment. Besides, the money that I raise by shaving my hair may be the difference in the Cancer Council being able to continue their research into curing this horrible disease.”

Inspired by Robyn’s selflessness, Julie is donating her time to be the one shaving Robyn’s hair at the event.  Julie has been a hairdresser for many years now and has had long term clients coming to see her while undergoing treatment for cancer. She said it is devastating to be cutting a lady’s hair and have it falling out in your hands; and so wonderful to have those same ladies coming back to have their hair styled after successful treatment.

“If I can use the skills that I have to give back to the community and build awareness of such an important organisation, then I’m happy to do that. Sometimes giving your time is more valuable than anything else. Plus, if we break the world record we will be in the Guinness Book of Records which would just be awesome!”

To meet the goal of 200 people being shaved simultaneously they need lots more people willing to lose their locks as well as people to volunteer to wield the clippers. If you have experience using clippers and can donate your time on the day please get in contact with organisers.  You don’t need to be a hairdresser, although hairdressers are encouraged to get their teams together.  Club Hair and Ora Hair have already registered!

If you are brave like Robyn, willing to have your hair shaved and be involved in the Guinness Book of Records attempt you can register by emailing rflcanberra.headshave@hotmail.com.

If you are like me and want to keep your hair but want support of Robyn to meet her fundraising target of $3000+ you can donate to her fundraising page here.

You can keep up with the Relay for Life fundraising events happening around Canberra via their Facebook page.

As a special treat for HerCanberra readers only if you mention this article, Relay for Life or the Guinness World Record attempt when making your hair appointment at Club Hair at CISAC in Belconnen between now and Saturday 29 March you will receive 20% off your total bill.

the essentials

What: Relay For Life
When: 12 noon Saturday 29 to 12 noon Sunday 30 March 2014. Opening Ceremony 11.30am Saturday; Guinness World Record Head Shave: 5pm Saturday; Candlelight Ceremony 9pm Saturday; Closing Ceremony 11.55am Sunday.
Where: Australian Institute of Sport Athletics Track
Web: actcancer.org