AT Inverloch Primary School, two young girls, Annabelle and Maddy, have taken on a big challenge for a cause close to their hearts. Inspired by their late grandmother, Martine Denblyden, who lost her battle with cancer, the sisters have decided to donate their hair to the Cancer Council fundraiser.

Martine Denblyden was a beloved figure in the community, known for her kindness and dedication as a nurse and local business owner. She was not only a nurturing presence as a nurse but also as a homebirths midwife, helping bring new life into the world in the comfort of a women’s sacred space.  She retired in 2015 from the neonatal intensive care unit at the Royal Women's Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of care and compassion.

Martine's own battle with cancer was a tough one. Diagnosed seven years ago with breast cancer, she underwent a mastectomy and believed she was in the clear. However, she was then diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent a resection, then just three years ago, the breast cancer returned, spreading to her lymph nodes. Despite her valiant fight, Martine passed away on August 30 at the age of 79.

To honour her memory and support others fighting the same battle, Annabelle and Maddy decided to donate their hair to the Cancer Council, as wigs made from real hair can make a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients or those experiencing hair loss as a result of an illness. With a requirement of 20 cm of hair donated for the wigs, the sisters were excited to make a meaningful contribution.

Martine was known to her granddaughters Annabelle and Maddy as Bonne Maman (French for Grandmother). Before her passing Annabelle had donated her hair and since her loss the girls – daughters of Martine’s daughter Olivia were reminiscing about their grandmother, her commitment to her community, and her love for her assistance dog, Willow, and felt a sense of pride and determination. Together they knew that by participating in the fundraiser, they were not only honouring Martine's memory but also making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

With the support of their family and the school community, Annabelle and Maddy embarked on their fundraising journey, eager to make a positive impact in the fight against cancer. Their grandmother's spirit of resilience and compassion lives on in their hearts, and together they’ll be raising awareness and funds for Cancer Council research, prevention programs and support services. The girls will cut their hair during a school assembly on September 20 at Inverloch Primary School. To donate visit: https://fundraising.cancervic.org.au/fundraisers/annabellemaddy/annabelles-chop-for-cancer