Demi's brave shave

Brave Broome youngster Demi Bowd will go to hair-raising lengths to show her support for a good cause next month.

The 10-year-old is preparing to lose her brown locks as part of the World's Greatest Shave event to raise vitals funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

WGS is the organisation's biggest fundraiser from March 12 to 15 and attracts hundreds of thousands of participants each year, who shave off or colour their hair.

According to the foundation, more than 12,000 Australians will be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma this year - equivalent to 31 people a day.

Blood cancer and related blood disorders can develop in anyone, of any age, at any time.

With few clearly-identified risk factors and sometimes no real warning, the impact is immense for the person and their loved ones.

Money raised through WGS goes towards research to beat blood cancer and provide free, emotional and practical support to help Australian families.

Demi, a St Mary's College student, said she decided to take part in the event after learning about the effects of leukaemia during a school project.

She was appointed captain of her St Mary's Broome team for WGS and plans to raise as much money as she can.

Her original target was $1000 but the youngster has already smashed her goal thanks to the generosity of local businesses, friends and family, including siblings Jai, 8, and Molly, 6.

Now she hopes to attract even more donations.

Speaking before her scheduled shave, Demi said she wasn't fazed about going under the razor.

"It is quite hot now, so it doesn't really matter," she said.

Father Mark Bowd said the whole family was proud of her.

"It's really brave for a young girl of her age, with all the peer group pressure … with having no hair, but it doesn't bother her at all."

Meanwhile, Broome resident Steve Bone and Derby local Leslie Jones will also take part in the fundraiser next month.

For more information, visit www.worldsgreatestshave.com .