Hannah Mcnamara
June 19, 2026

95cm of Hair, One Powerful Tribute A Hair Donation Born From Friendship and Loss

Kirsty will take part in ‘the big shave’ next Saturday 27th June 2026, with her luscious locks to be transformed into wigs and donated to multiple children who have experienced hair loss. Photos supplied

Next Saturday, Mackay woman Kirsty Miron will say goodbye to 95 centimetres of hair, but what she is giving is far greater than her luscious Rapunzel locks.

In a moving tribute to her late neighbour and friend, Bridgeen Doherty, Kirsty will take part in the Big Shave, transforming years of growth into hope for children experiencing hair loss while raising vital funds for families affected by cancer through the Trudy Crowley Foundation.

Their friendship began as neighbours and grew through cups of tea, shared stories and caring for Bridgeen’s beloved cat, Maeve, during her battle with ovarian cancer.  

Even after Bridgeen’s passing in February 2025, her strength, humour and advocacy for women’s health continue to inspire those who knew her.

Soon, one woman’s hair will become confidence for a child, while a community’s generosity has the power to change lives. With a fundraising goal of $10,000, donations remain open until the Big Shave next Saturday June 27th.

A Gift Of Hope In Honour Of A Cherished Friend

A Mackay woman with real life Rapunzel hair has selflessly decided to take on 'the big shave' next Saturday, June 27th, volunteering to cut off her 95cm long locks in honour of her late neighbour, Bridgeen Doherty.

Kirsty Miron lived next door to Bridgeen and would often care for her beloved cat, Maeve, while Bridgeen was in hospital during her relentless battle with ovarian cancer.

Many locals remember Bridgeen for her tireless advocacy and resilient spirit, encouraging women to ‘KNOW YOUR BODY, KNOW YOUR NORMAL,’ a message that continues to echo throughout the community and has helped save lives through its urgency and awareness.  

Bridgeen sadly lost her battle with ovarian cancer on February 20th 2025.

Kirsty said donating her hair was one way she could give back after being so deeply impacted by her neighbour's friendship and strength.

“A couple of years ago I decided I'd like to do something with my hair. I didn't know what that thing was going to be.

“Then we moved here [to Mackay], Bridgeen was our neighbour, and we got really close with her, and she asked if we would be interested in taking her cat Maeve once she passed.”

Kirsty's strawberry blonde locks will be donated to children, with the remarkable length of her hair expected to help create multiple wigs.

“It brings me joy that this hair is going to bring someone else joy.”

Kirsty fondly remembers Bridgeen for her adventurous stories, humour and kind heart.

“We would have tea together and she would tell us about the crazy stuff she used to get up to as a young person in Ireland, and how she came to Australia.

“And through those stories, we realised, ‘this lady has had such a big, fantastic life’.”

“Yes, we were seeing her towards the end of her life, but it was such a privilege to know her at that time too.”

Kirsty Miron with the late Bridgeen Doherty’s cat Maeve.

While shaving her head will be a major change, Kirsty said she has been preparing for the moment for years and is proud to support others who have experienced hair loss. Her husband will also shave his head in solidarity.

"Shaving one's head as a woman is a big thing,” Kirsty said.

“I've had time to prepare myself… and I've been ready for this change for such a long time.”

And as for Maeve, she has become a cherished member of the family.

“Maeve is now one of our children. She's a very good cat and gets along great with our other pets.”

The fundraiser currently has a goal of $10,000, with donations open until Saturday 27th June. Every donation will help support local people and families impacted by cancer through the Trudy Crowley Foundation, with all donations over $2 tax deductible.  

Locals and businesses wishing to support the cause can donate through the Trudy Crowley Foundation fundraiser, titledKirsty Miron's Big Shave for Ovarian Cancer: In Honour of Bridgeen.