Hair rasing shave

By Dion Teasdale
A HEALESVILLE resident is preparing to part with the head of hair he has had for the past 34 years.
Steve Ruff, 47, will shave off the hair he has had since he was 13 years old as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Great Shave for a Cure.
Mr Ruff, who works as a mechanic at Morton’s Machinery in Ringwood, will shave his head on the balcony at the Grand Hotel in Healesville on Saturday, 6 May at 3pm.
“I have thought about shaving my head for a good cause for quite a while, and this year I decided I’d finally do it,” he said.
Mr Ruff, who has known family friends who have died from leukaemia, said he thought the World’s Great Shave for a Cure was a great way to raise funds for leukaemia sufferers and research.
Despite feeling charitable, Mr Ruff, whose current crop of hair is more than 60cm long, admitted he was also feeling ‘a little bit nervous’ about the chop.
“I’ve never had my head shaved before. I’ve had the long hair I’ve got now since I was 13 and I haven’t been bald since I was three,” he said.
“My long hair has been a part of who I am for a long time and I feel very attached to it, and I like it being attached to me.”
Mr Ruff, who also wears a moustache and beard, said his facial hair would be staying, and that he would be relying on beanies to keep his head warm.
His mother, who lives in New Zealand, has asked for a lock of hair to be sent to her, and Mr Ruff said his family, friends and work mates had all rallied around him to support his fund-raising effort.
“We are asking people to sponsor me, or to make a donation. Anything over $2 is tax deductible and I’m hoping we can raise at least a $1000,” he said.
Marie Henry, from Zazz Hair Design, in Healesville, has donated her services to shave Steve’s head on the day and people are welcome to turn up and get their hair coloured for a $5 donation.
“I’d encourage anyone else who’d like to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation to consider registering for the shave as well,” Mr Ruff said.
Anyone interested in making a donation can contact Rose at the Mail Newspapers on 5962 5800 or turn up on the day.
To register for The World’s Greatest Shave For a Cure, check out the website www.worldsgreatestshave.com.au.