The NSW Waratahs men’s and women’s teams are proud to announce that they will be participating in the Leukaemia Foundation’s iconic World’s Greatest Shave campaign to support the 140,000 Australians currently living with blood cancer.
On March 19, selected members of the men’s team will undergo a ‘buzz cut’ as they shave their hair; whilst some of the women’s team will go ‘blue for blood cancer’ and colour their hair a similar shade to the team’s beloved colours.
With a strong personal connection to blood cancer, it’s no coincidence that the Waratahs have chosen to support the World’s Greatest Shave, after one of their much-loved young supporters, Jack Graham, was diagnosed with leukaemia at age 7.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of the NSW Waratahs in this year’s World’s Greatest Shave,” said Chris Tanti, CEO, Leukaemia Foundation.
“It’s not uncommon to hear of sports teams, like the Waratahs, having strong connections to blood cancer given the disease impacts close to 19,500 new Australians every year, and is the leading cancer diagnosed in children aged zero to fourteen.”
When Jack was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2017, he spent his time in hospital watching rugby union and quickly became a big Waratahs supporter.
Jack went on to play rugby himself once he finished his blood cancer treatment, and was approached by Waratahs coach, Darren Coleman, asking if he would share his story with the players.
According to Waratahs player, Jed Holloway, Jack’s speech left a significant and lasting impression on the team, which further inspired them to get behind this year’s World’s Greatest Shave.
“It’s an honour to support an organisation like the Leukaemia Foundation that is close to the clubs’ heart,” said Jed.
“I’ve also got my own personal connection to blood cancer after sadly losing my cousin, Liam, to leukaemia when he was just 20 years old.
“Liam was like a brother to me, and I’ll be shaving in his legacy this World’s Greatest Shave.”
The NSW Waratahs have created a team fundraising page and are inviting fans to sign up and join their team, to take part in this year’s World’s Greatest Shave, alongside their heroes.
The NSW Waratahs players participating in the World’s Greatest Shave include:
Men (shaving hair):
- Ned Slack-Smith
- Jed Holloway
- Fergus Lee-Warner
Women (colouring their hair blue):
- Jacinta Windsor
- Georgia Chapple
- Viviena Hingano
The World’s Greatest Shave is one of Australia’s longest-running and most well-loved fundraising campaigns. Over the last 25 years, more than two million people have sacrificed their hair, or donated to someone who has, raising significant funds to enable the Leukaemia Foundation to continue its vital work.
Click here to donate to the Waratahs World’s Greatest Shave campaign.
Every single dollar helps Australians living with blood cancer.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY – SAVE THE DATE:
Tuesday 19 March - more information on time/location of the Waratahs World’s Greatest Shave event to come.
About the Leukaemia Foundation:
The Leukaemia Foundation stands with Australia to help cure and conquer blood cancer – with care. They're attacking every blood cancer, from every direction, in every way they can. They stand beside every Australian to be their voice and their someone to turn to, fighting to get them access to the best care. They also accelerate research that is delivering rapid advancements in blood cancer diagnosis and treatments.
Additionally, they provide services and support that empower people living with any blood cancer to live well after diagnosis. You can learn more about the Leukaemia Foundation and blood cancer at leukaemia.org.au.
