NSW Swifts defender Lauren Moore will take the brave step of shaving her head and lose her locks to raise funds for the team's Official Charity Partner, The Kids' Cancer Project.
The NSW junior, who made her debut for the Swifts in 2016 and was part of last year's Premiership win, said she was inspired to undertake the fundraising initiative after hearing about the great work carried out by the charity, whose aim is to one day end kids' cancer.
Moore will shave her head at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park on Friday 24 April, to coincide with the team's Junior Members Clinic, and has set herself the target of initially raising $10,000.
The Kids’ Cancer Project is an independent national charity supporting childhood cancer research. Since 1993 they have been able to contribute tens of millions of dollars to scientific studies to help children with many types of cancer.
They are a long-term partner of the NSW Swifts with the club taking part in the charity's annual Crazy Hair & Sock campaign for many years.
Moore said shaving her head was an easy thing to do when she saw the hardship endured by children and families battling the disease.
"This isn't something that's very common, to see a female shaving her head, but I've always said I'd like people to judge me on what's inside, not outside," she said.
"I have met people from The Kids' Cancer Project on numerous occasions down the years and I have always been blown away by what they are trying to do.
"As ever, funds are never easy to come across so I'm delighted to have the opportunity to do something I hope will make a difference.
"I would love for all of the Swifts family and wider NSW and Australian netball community to get behind this and donate what they can.
"It would also be fantastic to see even more of our Associations take part in this year's Crazy Hair & Sock campaign and build on the amazing work that's been done so far."
The Kids’ Cancer Project CEO, and former Wallabies star, Owen Finegan said it was wonderful to a role model like Moore and the greater netball community backing the charity.
“I’m constantly amazed at members of the community and what they do to support The Kids’ Cancer Project and childhood cancer research," he said.
"Lauren is an inspiration on and off the court and we hope you can support her to raise vital funds for childhood cancer research.
“Like our founder, Col Reynolds, one man who decided to make a difference to help improve the lives of children diagnosed with cancer, Lauren is testament to the fact that anyone can have a positive impact and we thank her for her commitment.
"We have had a long and successful partnership with NSW Swifts and appreciate all that the netball community does to support us and raise funds. I urge you all to support Lauren to achieve her fundraising target as she loses her locks for a great cause.”
HOW TO SUPPORT
You can make a donation to Lauren's fundraising effort HERE
For more information on The Kids' Cancer Project please visit their WEBSITE