The Leukaemia Foundation has praised the brave and remarkable Australians who will stand in solidarity with more than 135,000 people living with blood cancer, by participating in the 25th anniversary of the much-loved and iconic World’s Greatest Shave.

With ‘Shave Week’ taking place across the country from March 15-19, thousands of people will be shaving, cutting and colouring their locks to raise money to support fellow Australians impacted by blood cancer.

Today, 53 Australians will hear the words “you have blood cancer” (including leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma) and by 2035, that number is expected to double.

With blood cancer incidence continuing to rise, Leukaemia Foundation chief executive, Chris Tanti, said people with blood cancer need support now more than ever, and each person getting behind World’s Greatest Shave is making a difference while joining the fun and celebration of supporting a good cause.

“I want to thank each and every person who has signed up so far to World’s Greatest Shave to make it their mission to beat blood cancer,” he said.

“There’s still time to register to be a part of this year’s celebration and by getting involved, you are ensuring blood cancer patients have access to the right information, support and care they need to fight their disease as well as someone to turn to every step of the way.

“More than two million people have sacrificed their hair, or donated to someone who has, over the last 25 years. We’ve seen heads shaved in all sorts of places across Australia including in helicopters, state Parliament, shearing sheds, and while rock climbing. One brave participant even did it at the top of Mount Everest!”

Hundreds of well-known Australians have also bravely shaved, cut or coloured their hair including Kerrie-Anne Kennerley, Steve Irwin with his family, Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker, Shane Crawford, Meshel Laurie, Radio B105’s Abby Coleman, The Bachelor’s Dr Matt Agnew, Survivor Star Johnny Eastoe, late cricketer Andrew Symonds, ABC’s Paul Kennedy and The Block’s ‘Block heads’ Steve O’Donnell and Chantelle Ford just to name a few.

This year, more famous faces are throwing their support behind World’s Greatest Shave to help raise money for people affected by blood cancer, including the Cronulla Sharks’ prop Toby Rudolph, Sydney FC’s Luke Brattan and Pat Wood, as well as Lachy Mansell from ‘Beauty and the Geek’.

World’s Greatest Shave is the single biggest source that enables the work of the Leukaemia Foundation each year. Not only does the money raised support families impacted by blood cancer, but it also helps the brilliant research scientists continue their search for better ways to diagnose and treat blood cancer more effectively.

The Leukaemia Foundation is asking Australians to dig deep this year and support their loved ones and communities impacted by blood cancer by heading to worldsgreatestshave.com to sign up or donate.

“We know many are already doing it tough due to the rising cost of living. A blood cancer diagnosis on top of this is putting huge financial strain on thousands of Australians and their loved ones. People with blood cancer need us now more than ever,” Mr Tanti said.

“On the 25th year anniversary of our beloved campaign, we’re thrilled and extremely grateful that the national community is continuing to show up, support, and celebrate the World’s Greatest Shave.”

It’s not too late to join the fight against blood cancer. To sign up or to donate, visit worldsgreatestshave.com or call 1800 500 088.