Locks of love for sisters

Sisters Jenny and Brigitte Pratt.173913 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Bonny Burrows

Sisterly love saw Brigitte Pratt loose her vibrant pink locks.
The Lang Lang Bakery owner lost her locks during the store’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow family fun day on 14 October in support of her sister Jen who is battling breast cancer.
The fund-raiser, which involved raffles, face painting popcorn and fairy floss machines and an assortment of other delicious treats, raised $3072.70 for cancer research.
A separate Jen’s Jar money collection saw locals donate $1375 to assist Jen in bringing her personal belongings from her home.
Brigitte said once her sister was diagnosed three months ago there was a mad rush to bring her to Cardinia Shire closer to treatment.
“There are no breast places for her back home. The nearest is 400km away,” Brigitte said.
“We were in such a rush to get her here that she couldn’t bring anything with her, so this money will help her bring her clothing and a few possessions over.”
Brigitte, who was known for her crazy long pink hair, said she decided to shave her locks for her sister as a sign of unity.
“Jen was more devastated about losing her hair than her breast. I thought this would be a nice way to let her know that she’s not alone, that we’re all here for her,” Brigitte said.
In another display of love, Brigitte also flew Jen’s long-time friend Ivanka Adams in for the occasion.
“It meant a lot to Jen,” she said.
Brigitte said she was “very happy” with the day’s success.
“I was really rapt with what we raised in such a short time. Country people are very generous,” Brigitte said.
As for her newly shaved head, Brigitte said it would take some getting used to.
“On Sunday morning, while in the shower, I put shampoo in my hand and then realised I had no hair,” she said, laughing.