“I thought of all the people in Gloucester who have been diagnosed with cancer and realised this was a good way to help the community,” Ayrleah said.

So she made a plan to shave her head for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Great Shave.

Since making the decision, her humble plan has transformed into a fundraising event.

Fellow Gloucester High School student, Tallluah ‘Toot’ Nixon has agreed to shave Ayrleah’s head on March 18 at the Avon Valley Inn. 

Toot, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in November 2016, said she doesn’t have much experience shaving people’s head.

“I shaved half of my friend’s mum’s head once,” she smiled.

Toot is excited to be a part of the event.

“It’s cool what Ayrleah is doing.”

Ayrleah doesn’t seemed fazed about the looming date for shaving her locks.

“Toot rocked a bald head,” Ayrleah smiled.

She said is looking forward to not having to worry about doing her hair anymore.

Ayrleah choose a fundraising goal of $2000, enough money to fund a major blood cancer research project for one week. She has already reached this goal but will continue to see how much money she can raise.

She will also be donating her hair.

“A minimum of 20 centimetres can go toward wigs and the rest of the bits get made into balls to help soak up oil spills in the ocean,” she explained.

The event will kick off at 1pm on Sunday, March 18 out back of the Avon Valley Inn with music, face painting, temporary hair dying and the official head shave. 

There will also be a raffle with prizes that Ayrleah has been asking local business to donate, and a donation bucket.

To sponsor Ayrleah before the event visit http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/ayrleahtull or take part in the Ladies Night at The Fox Den on Friday, March 2 at $40 per person for food and a drink with $20 of the cost going to the cause.

Shaving her head for a friend

Tootapalooza: a fundraiser for Tallulah Nixon