Luke Brattan has been given two awards for his efforts fundraising for the World’s Greatest Shave in March.
Brattan grew his hair for two years with the aim to raise awareness and funds for the World’s Greatest Shave, which helps to raise much-needed funding for blood cancer research and provides practical support to Australians diagnosed with blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Brattan raised $20,007, which made him the highest individual fundraiser in Victoria, and in the top 10 individual fundraisers across Australia.
A combination of personal donations, and contributions from Melbourne City players, staff and Club partners, helped Brattan reach his donations target for the Leukaemia Foundation.
“The Foundation is an organisation and a cause very close to my heart as I have had close family and friends affected by leukaemia,” Brattan said in March.
“I decided two years ago to grow my hair with the eventual aim of having it shaved to raise awareness and funds as I’ve seen firsthand that those affected by Leukaemia and other blood cancers have to suffer incredibly.
Brattan had his hair shaved by young 12-year-old Melbourne City fan Joshua Ferro, before Brattan returned the favour, shaving Josh’s hair in March this year.
The Leukaemia Foundation is Australia’s peak body for blood cancer, providing free support services in every state and territory across Australia.
The Foundation reaches 50 per cent of all newly diagnosed people with blood cancer, whether they are located in metropolitan, regional or remote rural areas and has invested millions into vital research into better treatments and cures.
Leukaemia Foundation Statistics
- Leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma are types of blood cancer. They can develop in anyone, of any age, at any time.
- More than 60,000 Australians are living with blood cancer or related disorders, and every day another 35 people will be diagnosed.
- Blood cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia, claiming more lives than breast cancer or melanoma
- Although research is improving survival, sadly an Australian loses their life to blood cancer every two hours
