Anyone who has been touched by cancer knows just how devastating it can be to the person, their family, friends and community.
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For Dubbo boy, Caleb Barker, he has seen first-hand just how terrible cancer is, when he saw his grandmother lose her battle with cancer only four years ago.
Caleb was close to his grandmother and would visit her almost every day with his family.
Caleb, now 8 years of age, was touched by cancer again, when his teacher at Orana Heights was diagnosed.
He wanted to do something to help and decided to take part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. In his World's Greatest Shave sponsor profile, Caleb said he wanted to shave his hair off to raise money for all of the sick people.
“A few years ago I lost my Nan to cancer. Now one of the teachers at my school is sick with cancer too. This makes me very sad. I would like to raise as much money as I can to help as many people as I can,” he said.
He set about raising $500 for the cause, but through a number of generous donations and various local businesses getting behind him, Caleb successfully raised approximately $1800.
During the school holidays, Caleb, his family and support group held an event at the Buncha Hotel. On the day there was raffles, a silent auction, 100 club and cash donations. Over 40 people turned up to the event and although Caleb had grown a very impressive man bun before the shave, he was more than happy to get the chop.
“I thought I looked really cool,” Caleb said about his experience after getting his head shaved.
On hearing about the great work Caleb was doing a number of local businesses jumped on board to help, including Kayaks Out West, Don Watts, Sam’s Sweet Treat for the Cupcakes, Onyx, Elegeance Brows and Beauty, Kelsie Hill face painting, Hey Baby Cakes, Bunnings, Gloria Jeans, Cow Rustlers, Inflatable World and Bakers Delight.
Caleb’s mother, Natasha Smith said she couldn’t thank the local businesses enough for their support and the help of Kylie Streat and Kurt Large for allowing the event to go ahead at the Buncha Hotel.
The monies raised from the World’s Greatest Shave funds vital research that helps more people survive blood cancers while also improving their quality of life.