Konrad Reardon raised over $1600 to shave his thick head of hair he has been growing since 2013, smashing his goal of $700. 

Dr Reardon said his work as a general practitioner helped him to understand the complex needs of cancer patients.

“From the point of view of a GP or a hospital team, our work stops at the clinic or in the hospital,” he said.

But there is a lot of care patients need outside of their medical requirements, like help around the house, or with transport or bills.

 “That’s where the Leukemia Foundation steps in, to provide that extra care we can’t.”

On Friday, March 16 the team at Bega Valley Medical Practice were entertained at lunchtime as their colleague Dr Reardon shaved his head in the staff kitchen.

BVMP psychologist Monica Blayney was behind the clippers, cutting Dr Reardon’s mass of dark curly hair down to a number 4, then a number 3 and finally, a number 2 shave. 

“One of the most recognisable features of leukemia is the hair loss, and many people struggle to maintain their self image during this time,” Dr Reardon said.

“So I thought I would make this sacrifice to make a bit of a statement that it’s okay to go through those physical changes.”

This is the third time Dr Reardon has taken part in the World’s Greatest Shave, raising over $1000 each time. 

He said the effects of leukemia can be more intense in regional areas like the Bega Valley. 

“Leukemia and other cancers or chronic diseases can have a much larger impact on a small community such as ours,” he said.  

“Whether the person is a shop keeper or a dairy farmer, the loss of that person while they receive treatment is felt more intensely."

You can contribute to the Leukemia Foundation by sponsoring Dr Reardon through his World’s Greatest Shave fundraising page.