General News
17 April, 2026
Brave Edmund takes a stand
ST Patrick’s Primary School Koroit student Edmund McMahon will no doubt be feeling a little cooler these school holidays.
The grade six student recently had his head shaved as part of this year’s ‘Greatest Shave’ event, raising an outstanding $2,658 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
The school community also raised $600 during its Easter Eggstravaganza, which was matched dollar-for-dollar by the school.
At Edmund’s request, this $1200 was donated to The Good Friday Appeal.
“I’m taking a stand against blood cancer,” Edmund said.
“I have had many surgeries and undergone 12 months of chemo when I was younger.
“I grew my hair long to cover the surgical scars and decided it’s time to chop it all off; my hair is long enough to donate and this way we can raise some money together to support families going through a similar journey to what we endured.”
In a letter penned by Edmund prior to the head shave event, he noted that in Australia three children/adolescents die every week from cancer and currently over 170,000 Australians are facing the devastating impact of blood cancer.
Seventeen lose their life every day.
“That’s why I’m taking on the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. By donating, people can help me raise funds and awareness for blood cancer and fuel life-changing research projects and support services for patients and their families,” he wrote.
“Any amount, big or small, will make a real, tangible difference. This is my reason for taking a stand.”
Grade one teacher at St Patrick’s, Meg Hamilton, said the school was incredibly proud of Edmund for his “amazing efforts.”
“And we are also very grateful to our generous community for supporting both the Leukaemia Foundation and The Good Friday Appeal – both such meaningful causes – and for helping Edmund make a real difference.”
