The 16-year-old from Weston has decided to cut her lengthy mane to raise money and awareness for cancer, motivated by her grandmother’s diagnosis eight months ago.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer and going through a single mastectomy, Jasmine’s grandmother had a check-up scan only to be told she was suffering a brain aneurism, and would need surgery a few weeks later.

Now, Jasmine’s grandmother is in the final stages of treatment which inspired Jasmine to get the chop.

Jasmine said when she announced her decision to take part in the Greatest Shave, her friends didn’t actually think she would do it.

“It’s like they’re more attached to my hair than I am,” she said. However, Jasmine realised it was important to raise awareness about the disease, and the fact that it can happen to anyone.

“It can touch everyone, you don’t think of it coming into your life but it can.”

Besides the occasional trim, Jasmine has never had a proper haircut and is currently carrying waist-length hair.

She said she is looking forward to not having to brush it, but will have to get used to styling it instead.

The shave will be taking place at Kurri High School on March 12.

Kurri McDonalds is holding a fundraiser night tonight (March 4), with 10 per cent of sales between 6pm and 7pm going directly to Jasmine’s cause.

World’s Greatest Shave raises funds for the Leukaemia Foundation’s work – providing practical and emotional support to people facing the challenge of blood cancer, as well as investing in vital research to find better treatments and cures.

Donations can be made here.