Ocean Grove sisters Matilda and Harriet Stepto are raising money for the Peter MacCallum Foundation in honour of their father, Nige.
Matilda, 15, and Harriet, 12, are donating their hair to the Peter Mac Headwear and Wig Library to support patients during their treatment and raise money for the foundation.
Nige was a professor of clinical exercise science at Victoria University, and died last year at age 48 from a rare type of sarcoma after just 11 months.
According to mum Fiona, Matilda had been talking about donating her hair for a while and then they all started discussing it recently, almost a year since Nige died.
It was then the girls decided they wanted to do something for charity. Nige was treated at Peter MacCallum Centre.
“He was an amazing dad and we have lots of great memories – holidays, surfing, bike rides, barbecues, fun times with family and friends,” Fiona said.
“So proud and they know their dad is too. The way they have approached the past couple of years has been amazing.”
Fiona said the prospect of losing their locks had not made the girls anxious at all.
“Not anxious, maybe slightly competitive,” she said.
Matilda and Harriet wanted to raise $1000, but had to re-evaluate their goal. When the Voice went to print, they had already raised more than $2000 and were aiming for $3000.
“We are so grateful for everyone’s donations,” Fiona said.
The sisters will finally cut their hair at the end of February, but in the meantime you can donate at fundraise.petermac.org.au/dadsgirls
