Russel Norman took great delight in shaving the head of David Shearer live on Breakfast television this morning, who 'won' with 52 per cent of the 1,100 votes to mark the first day of the Shave for a Cure campaign (26 - 31 March) at Queens Wharf in Wellington.

To show his support Russel Norman then agreed to get his head shaved by Shearer.

Georgie Hackett, spokesperson for LBC, said, "It was a close race for a while, and we were delighted that so many Kiwis cast their vote. We are also very touched that the heads of political parties were prepared to lose their hair for our campaign."

David Shearer said: "Given the cause, it was a sacrifice I was prepared to make, though I'm not sure my wife would agree. If it raises the awareness of the work the foundation does and helps more people to get the support and assistance they need, then it's been well worth it."

Russel Norman said: "It's a great cause which I don't mind losing my hair for. The bald look works for my colleague Kevin Hague and I think it will be a winner for me too. And at the end of the day it's about raising awareness on a really important issue.

"Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand does great work for an important cause and I'm happy I've had chance to be a part of it," he added.

The political duo will be joined by the thousands of individuals in schools, universities, businesses and community groups who will shave their heads this week.

LBC receives no government funding so the money raised goes towards their core services including patient support and research.

It's not too late to register to shave - register online now www.shaveforacure.co.nz.

Follow Shave for a Cure on Facebook www.facebook.com/LBFNZ during Shave 12.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Georgie Hackett

Communications & Media Relations Manager

Leukaemia &Blood Cancer New Zealand

Ph: 09 638 3556, Mobile: 021 523 172

Email: Georgie.hackett@leukaemia.org.nz

Editor's notes:

Shave for a Cure

• Shave for a Cure is Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand's signature fundraising event
• Everyone Shaves including individuals, schools, businesses and community groups
• Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers and related blood conditions.
• LBC does not receive government funding - the dollars raised from Shave help fund our core services including patient support, support and funding for research, awareness and advocacy

Key facts about blood cancers

• Every day, six New Zealanders are diagnosed with a blood cancer - that's about 2,200 New Zealanders a year
• The cause of blood cancers is unknown
• These diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning
• Blood cancers combined (leukaemia, lymphoma and, myeloma) are the fifth most common cancer in New Zealand
• Immediate treatment may be necessary and that treatment can go on for months or even years.

Leukaemia

• Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer.

Lymphoma

• In New Zealand, lymphoma is the sixth most common cancer, with close to 900 people being diagnosed every year
• Lymphoma is the most common cancer affecting 15-24 year olds.

Myeloma

• Around 300 people are diagnosed with myeloma in New Zealand each year
• Pacific Islanders and Maori have a higher incidence of myeloma.