West Moreton Health’s IT buff Stephen Davies has bared his chin for the World’s Greatest Shave, parting with the beard he grew so fond of to raise more than $1800 for people living with blood cancer.

Joining the Leukemia Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Mr Davies has felt his first clean shave in more than a decade, egged on by a friendly wager from a mate.

“I was actually growing my beard out over the last year planning to enter a long beard competition at Oktoberfest in Brisbane but I couldn’t make it in the end,” he said.

“I was thinking about trimming it back when a friend said he’d give me $100 to just shave it all off. I always said I’d take part in a shave for charity and now was my chance.”

Mr Davies said he was lucky to not have close friends or family affected by blood cancer but wanted to join the fight to find a cure, supported by friends and colleagues.

“I set a target of $1,000 because, honestly, I didn’t think I’d be able to reach that goal so quickly. Raising money can be a challenge, and I’ve been in the situation where you don’t have the means to be able to donate, but this has shown me just how generous people in our community are.”

“I’ve also received some beautiful private messages of support, it’s really quite overwhelming when I think about it.”

West Moreton Health Chief Executive Kerrie Freeman said cancer diagnoses weighed heavily on families and support networks.

“Beating cancer is not just about the treatment that people receive in hospitals, it’s the care and support they receive along the way that can help them find their strength during a difficult time,” she said.

Blood cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can develop in anyone at any time. Unlike other cancers, there are no screening programs available and no way to prevent a blood cancer through lifestyle change.

“The Leukaemia Foundation provides accommodation and support for families when loved ones were undergoing treatment away from home and we support Stephen in his way of giving back to the community.”