A Hawke's Bay vet will be turning a pair of animal clippers on her own hair in two weeks as part of this year's Shave for a Cure challenge.
VetEnt Havelock North veterinarian Dr Alanda Rafferty has decided to do her bit for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand by shaving her head using surgical grade clippers normally used for animal surgeries.
The combination of her occupation and her desire to participate in Shave for a Cure led Dr Rafferty to believe animal clippers were the best way to go about the shave.
"I thought it was quite appropriate for them [the animals] to see me getting shaved in the same way," she said.
While she couldn't say she was "excited" about the shave she said she was up for the challenge and had already discussed the new look with her husband and two children.
She said she felt it was time to give back and had high hopes of reaching her fundraising goal of $1000.
"I have been lucky enough not to have had cancer or know someone close that does. I just want to do my part."
She noted a recent "poignant experience" at the vet clinic where a dog who had leukaemia had to be put down.
"This disease affects everyone. Adults, children and animals."
The animal clippers that will be used to shave her hair are 40 blade and are used to achieve the "closest possible shave" during animal surgeries.
Dr Rafferty said if the hair shaved off was long enough she would donate it to be used for wigs or wig alterations.
With VetEnt having already donated $350 Ms Rafferty said she had now raised slightly more than $600 and said she would consider giving generous donors the chance to shave part of her head with the clippers.
The big shave is planned for 3pm on Wednesday April 5 at the VetEnt clinic in Havelock North and will be open to the public to attend with a cash donation jar on the counter for anonymous donations.
Those wishing to donate to Dr Rafferty's online fundraising page can find it here:
https://secure.leukaemia.net.nz/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=1060486.