CANCER Council Queensland volunteer Marlene Armstrong doesn’t do things by halves.
Ironically enough, though, she decided to have her head shaved for charity during the half-time break at an Ipswich Jets rugby league game.
CCQ’s Ipswich branch vice-chairwoman, Mrs Armstrong knows first-hand the deep pain and emotion that comes with losing a loved one to cancer.
“I chose to do this as part of the Cancer Council’s I Can campaign in memory of my best friend, Jennifer Clark, who lost her battle in May and for all those that I have known who have gone before her,” she told the QT before the shave on Saturday.
“I am also raising vital funds for cancer research.”
Mrs Armstrong has been a volunteer member of the award-winning Ipswich Cancer Council for the past 13 years.
The branch has won the highest fundraisers in the southern region for the past two years and is aiming for a hat-trick this year.
“At the end of September I’m doing a cent auction and raffles,” Mrs Armstrong said.
“I want to thank Shelley, my hairdresser, and Jets Leagues Club for giving me this amazing opportunity.
“Anyone can make a difference, it doesn’t matter how young or old you are, every little bit counts,” Ms Armstrong said.
You can support Marlene and the Ipswich Volunteer Branch by visiting their fundraising page at icanforcancer.org.au and searching “Marlene Armstrong”.
Cancer Council Queensland spokeswoman Katie Clift is calling on Queenslanders to pledge I Can for Cancer in 2014, to make a difference just like the Ipswich branch.
“I Can for Cancer is about everyday Queenslanders doing what they can to raise funds for a cancer-free future,” Ms Clift said.
“You can bowl, play golf, get active, go blue, cook, clip – do anything.”
Anyone wanting to pledge “I Can for Cancer” can register at www.icanfor cancer.org.au or at the Fundraising Hotline 1300 65 65 85. More information is at cancerqld.org.au or the helpline 13 11 20.