Bonniefield man raises more than $30,000 for cancer research by shaving head and beard

Henrik Rheeder hadn’t cut his hair in two years and had been growing his beard since 2014. But now he’s as clean-shaven as can be, and he couldn’t be more pleased with his new look after raising more than $30,000 for cancer research. The man from Bonniefield, near Dongara, had his head and beard shaved at a fundraising event in Port Denison last month, which was held in memory of his close friend Ken Holland and brother-in-law Evan de Beer who lost their battles with cancer. “Ken sadly passed away earlier this year from lung cancer, leaving behind his daughter, Erin and sister, Maureen and Evan in 2020 leaving behind his wife, Lizelle and two boys, Zivan and Zanrich,” the 41-year-old said. “Both men inspired me to try and make a difference through their ability to stay positive, even through the toughest of times. “The fundraiser was an opportunity for the community to come together and help raise funds for cancer research, as a fair few people in our community are being affected by cancer right now.” Up to 60 people turned out for the fundraiser, which included a live auction and donations from local businesses. “My beard ended up selling for $3600; it was not only a bit of a passion of mine, but also had become a bit iconic to many friends and members of the community,” Mr Rheeder said. “A lot of people told me over the two years it was probably time for a haircut, but it was for a good cause and the least I could do.” Mr Rheeder asked for the donation to go toward immunotherapy research as a friend had a positive experience with the treatment. Cancer Council WA director of cancer prevention and research Melissa Ledger said the generous donation would be put towards melanoma cancer research. “We’re always humbled by the incredible generosity of West Aussies. Mr Rheeder and the Geraldton, and Dongara community have taken the term generosity to a new level. We appreciate it so much, and it’s only through the big heartedness of fundraisers like Mr Rheeder that we are able to do what we do,” she said. “This money will go towards a local research project that will develop blood tests to help identify melanoma patients that are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy. “Treatments that activate the immune system have improved survival for a number of different cancer types including lung cancer and melanoma. “This research project will provide oncologists with crucial information about the tumour to enhance treatment, including improving response rates and reducing unnecessary exposure to toxic treatments.”