Bearded Wolf forward Sean Easther is preparing to shave for the WA Cancer Council.
Camera IconBearded Wolf forward Sean Easther is preparing to shave for the WA Cancer Council. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Facing up to a close shave during relay event

Bill MarwickWanneroo Times

Sean (24) is a scientist employed at the Hollywood Day Therapy Centre in Nedlands, where he runs a Life Now Exercise research program for the post-treatment of cancer patients. The program is funded by the WA Cancer Council in conjunction with Edith Cowan University.

The program is based on resistant exercises, such as weights exercise, is tailored to meet the individual needs of patients and runs over 12 weeks.

‘There is a lot of research being done for breast and prostate cancer patients, but what we are doing we hope will benefit any type of cancer patient,’ Sean said.

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‘We are looking into the physiological and psychological benefits of exercise and ultimately hope to incorporate exercise as an adjunct treatment alongside traditional treatment options.’

A keen sportsman, Sean is a forward with the Joondalup Wolves in the State Basketball League. His team mates like his epic beard, which he grew to help save lives.

Sean is a member of the Beard Season, a group of gentlemen around Australia who grow epic beards to draw attention to the risk of skin cancer.

‘It’s about encouraging young Australians to have regular skin checks,’ Sean said.

‘More young Australians are killed by melanoma than any other form of cancer. I joined and became an ambassador in the fight against melanomas.’

However, Sean’s beard is doomed. It will come off for another good cause ” to raise money for the WA Cancer Council. If you want to see Sean shorn, you have to attend the Joondalup Wanneroo Relay for Life, which will be held over the October 18-19 weekend at Arena Joondalup.

Sean will lose his Ned Kelly-style beard on the entertainment stage around breakfast time on the Sunday morning of the 24-hour Cancer Council event. A hairdresser will cut and shave off his whiskers.

‘I haven’t quite decided whether to grow the beard again, that might be influenced a bit by others,’ Sean said.

‘However, people at basketball love the beard and will definitely try to get me to grow another one.’

In the meantime, the Relay for Life Joondalup Wanneroo organising committee is seeking more teams of between 10 and 15 members to take part in the October relay. For more information or donations call 0417 922 726, or email relayteamsjoondalupwanneroo@gmail.com