But the locks are set to be lopped in March when David Nammour takes part in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave.

The Gilroy Catholic College student, 15, was inspired by friends who had taken part in the international fund-raiser.

David's father Ferris Nammour battled chronic myeloid leukaemia — a cancer which affects the blood and bone marrow predominantly in people over 50.

He said it was great to see young people do something meaningful for others.

"I'm very proud of him for doing something like this," Mr Nammour said.

"It's a great honour for me."

At 21 Mr Nammour underwent chemotherapy and radiation to fight the leukaemia.

He was told the intensity of the treatment would mean he could never have children.

Three years later he was cancer-free and 24 years later he has five children.

The World's Greatest Shave will take place March 15- 17.

David's initial fund-raising goal to reach $1000 will contribute to funding research to find better treatments and cures for leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders.

Funds also contribute to accommodation and transport expenses for cancer sufferers who have to undergo treatment a long way from their homes.

¦ Meanwhile Kate Fitzpatrick is calling on community support in her World's Greatest Shave campaign.

The Baulkham Hills mother of two plans to shave her head on March 15 in memory of her mother who died in 2010 after a four-month battle with ovarian cancer.

"I had never seen my mum cry before," Mrs Fitzpatrick said.

"When she shaved her head she did it because she wanted to have control of her hair, not the cancer.

"I was attracted to World's Greatest Shave because it involved shaving my head.

"It is such a big thing for women to do."

Thanks to friends and family she has raised almost $3000 but to reach her goal of $5000 she needs the community's help.

"This is the one time that I am going to do this so if I could get past my goal that would be fantastic," she said.

Mrs Fitzpatrick also has two uncles who have been diagnosed with cancer.

¦ Donations: Search David Nammour or Kate Fitzpatrick at http://worldsgreatestshave.com.au .