Joanne has made the very “bald‟ decision to shave her head to link in with Today FM‟s “Shave or Dye‟ campaign, the annual fundraising initiative organised the by the national radio station that raises money for the Irish Cancer Society.  Joanne, who works for EquiVet Ireland, will showcase her brave stunt on Sunday March 24th at the final of the 2013 Naas Duathlon Race Series at Punchestown Racecourse, Joanne  will offer the winner of the race, the opportunity to perform the shearing duties.
It is one thing for a man to shave his head and another entirely for a girl to undertake this courageous endeavour. Joanne, who has shoulder length blonde hair, explains why she is willing to lose her head for the Irish Cancer Society, “cancer is one of those tragic illnesses that touches most people in some way. Cancer has affected my own family as my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through treatment a few years ago. Thankfully she is a cancer survivor and came out the other side to tell the tale. I have other close friends who sadly have not been so lucky.” She concludes, “I hope to raise as much money as I possibly can by shaving my head. It‟s not going to be an easy thing to do but at least I know it will grow back and I am in good health. For people enduring cancer treatment, hair loss is only a small part of the bigger picture. I hope people will give generously to this worthwhile charity that has a devastating impact on so many of our lives.”

If you would like to sponsor Joanne‟s brave fundraising feat, visit her charity page by entering her name, “Joanne Hepburn‟ at www.mycharity.ie. You can also contact her on (086) 042 8414 or alternatively email [email protected]. Joanne also welcomes spectators at Punchestown Race Course on March 24th. There is a raffle of a cake which Niamh & Catherine Flanagan at The Ivy Cookery School ( http://www.theivy.ie ) very kindly donated as prize for the day, hopefully this will go down well after the race!!