Clerk of the Course Casey Parker has been a recognisable face in Victoria’s harness racing scene throughout the last 10 years, but she’ll soon take on a different look.
Parker has decided to raise some much-needed funds by losing her long blonde hair as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.
“I think it’s one of those things that either everyone has cancer or knows someone who has cancer. I thought it might be good to shave my head for a good cause,” Parker said.
The Clerk isn’t too worried about her appearance after she sheds the locks.
“I’m hoping I’m one of those lucky people who look good without hair,” Parker said. “If people can go through chemo and end up with no hair, I think I can deal with it for a few months.”
Parker also has a personal connection to the cause.
“I have a friend who is battling breast cancer,” she said. “I just figured cancer and blood cancer impacts everyone. There has been cancer in my family and my friends have had cancer.
“The statistics are huge as to who gets it. There are so many things you can do and my fundraiser is already over $500. It’s something I could actually do to put some money towards the cause. Shaving my head is the least I could do.”
The horsewomen has also got her father involved in the special cause.
“Dad said he would do his as well if we raised over $500, and we are already over $500 so he is in,” she said.
The wider harness racing community has been ultra-supportive of Parker’s plight.
“Most of the donations so far have come from people I know through harness racing,” she said.
“Nobody has said anything negative and said that I would look ridiculous. Everyone has said 'good on you and how do I donate?’.”
Parker will be shaving her head for the Leukaemia Foundation World’s Greatest Shave on March 24. If you would like to donate, you can click the link below.
Casey Parker | World's Greatest Shave | Leukaemia Foundation