Coralie Murray, 78, of Birkdale waited until her hair was 60cm in length before she had it cut.
In so doing, she was able to provide enough hair to make two wigs (required length per wig is 30cm) and to raise funds for the Heart Foundation.
Ms Murray said she had grown her hair for the past seven years and, on deciding to cut it, looked into how her hair could benefit other people.
“I found the Shave people but they said they don’t keep the hair, so I phoned a wig maker in Sydney. There are three ways of donating your hair. One is to sell it outright, one is to give it to them and they pay a charity of your choice and the third is to donate it to a wig bin and people can choose their hair and have a wig made at a reduced price,” Ms Murray said.
“I chose to donate mine to the bin. If it doesn’t get taken, the wig maker will use it and pay the Heart Foundation.”
Ms Murray said she walked with the Heart Foundation’s Wello Wanderers so the Heart Foundation was a natural charity choice. She is also being sponsored by the group and has already raised $1000 in sponsorship.
The group walks at 5.30am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday around the Wellington Point area.
“The Heart Foundation Walking group gives me so much – friendship, stimulation, exercise and great conversation.The group motivates me to walk three mornings a week. I really enjoy it,” Ms Murray said.
Ms Murray’s fundraising page is https://give.everydayhero.com/au/coralies-big-cut
“It’s been amazing to see how people have chipped in with donations. I think it shows how much they care about important causes like the Heart Foundation.”
Heart Foundation Queensland chief executive Stephen Vines said Coralie’s haircut was different to the foundation’s usual fundraising activity.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Coralie’s new look and want her to know we really appreciate what she is doing,” Mr Vines said.
Ms Murray said this was only the second time in her life she had long hair, which she said was easier to manage then a short style. Her hair was cut on February 28 at Revelations, Wellington Point as part of the salon’s own charity donation.
Inquiries about the Wello Wanderers Heart Foundation Walking group can be made to walk organiser, Glenys on 0417 635 008 or visitwalking.heartfoundation.org.au
