Locks lost

By Lia Bichel
A 12-year-old dancer has sacrificed her hair to help children with leukaemia.
Despite the fact that her shoulder-length hair was a major aspect of stage appearance while performing jazz, tap and ballet dances, Romy Madeley decided to brave the shaver for the World’s Greatest Shave.
“We usually have to wear our hair in curls or in a bun,” she said. “So my dance instructor was shocked when I told her I wanted to shave it.”
Though her instructor was shocked, she and other dancers at Narre Warren’s Cathy Lea Academy of Performing Arts rallied in support, helping Romy raise $1000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Romy said she wanted to shave her head for three years after hearing about the event on the television and learning her best friend’s brother had battled leukaemia.
She had asked her mother repeatedly, until she agreed to let her lose her locks.
Her mother, Michelle, raised money at her workplace, Bunnings at Fountain Gate, while Romy gathered sponsorship from her fellow dancers.
On Friday 20 March, witnessed by her friends at the dance academy, Romy accomplished her goal.
“I was nervous to do it, but excited too,” she said. “Now I keep looking in the mirror and forgetting I have no hair!”
Her mother Michelle said though she was shocked that her daughter wanted to shave her head, she was supportive and pleased with the final outcome.
“I am extremely proud of her,” she said, “plus, she’s got a cute face so she looks good with the new look.”
Romy said she hoped to participate in the World’s Greatest Shave again next year with a friend of hers.