Carole West made a casual remark - 'hair ... it's so over-rated ..' as she sorted through various bandanas as part of Scotvale Park's Relay for Life team theme for 2012 - Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves.

Relay for Life will be held at CQUniversity Rockhampton Campus for the 10th consecutive year over the weekend of May 19-20. Details are via http://www.relayforlife.org.au/

Carole West is ready to lose her locks ahead of the Relay for Life event on Rockhampton Campus

Carole, who works as a medical receptionist, is known by many for her past contributions of support to various community and sporting organisations such as the Asthma Foundation, Junior Indoor Netball and, more recently, Relay for Life. Those who know her personally will tell you about her infectious laugh and quirky outlook on life... always so positive. 

After learning of a close friend's diagnosis of cancer last year, Carole decided she would 'clipper' her hair to assist raising much-needed funds for research. 

The Queensland Cancer Council relies on local community financial support to develop programs on awareness, early detection and continued efforts to hopefully one day find that cure.

In a twist of fate, Carole has been undergoing investigation of a small 'mass' in her left kidney, which was detected during a routine CT scan last July.  Now, after a recent follow-up scan she will undergo a radical nephrectomy on April 11 at Greenslopes Hospital in Brisbane. 

All going well, Carole will 'lose her locks' at Scotvale Park's Golf Day on April 22 at Capricorn Golf Club.  Her target is to raise at least $2000, which will be included as part of their fundraising total for 2012. This fundraising is already underway as Carole has received numerous pledges and donations from family and friends.

If you would like to pledge a donation, you can phone Carole after hours on 4927 9603 or email carolewest@internode.on.net - all donations over $2 are tax deductible.