Eden local Stephen Mahoney sports a pretty lush beard. The type of beard you would find on an old salty sea-faring sailor. But Mr Mahoney is all land legs and his beard has no significance to the sea. It does however hold a stronger personal significance.
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Nine months ago Mr Mahoney's wife Marie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The sudden diagnosis meant the couple found themselves away from their Eden home staying at Leukaemia Foundation's John James Village while Ms Mahoney received treatment at Canberra Hospital.
It was during that time that Mr Mahoney's beard started to take shape. After spending around 22 hours a day by his wife's bedside and only taking fleeting moments of time to shower and have quick naps, Mr Mahoney said his beard took on a life of its own.
"I didn't bother shaving and that is how this happened," Mr Mahoney said, pointing to his white beard.
"I needed and wanted to spend as much time as possible by Marie's side, it was difficult to leave her. We were both very afraid and unsure about what could happen."
The journey over the last year has been a long and arduous one for the Mahoney's and Mr Mahoney said he felt indebted to the Leukaemia Foundation for their incredible ongoing support over this time.
"They have been so supportive especially with providing accommodation. We spent over eight months at John James free of charge. That's about $10,000 worth of accommodation which meant that I could be by my wife's side every step of the way," he said.
Now after the long battle Ms Mahoney is home in Eden in remission and Mr Mahoney said it was time to rid himself of his beard as a "good omen".
"I reckon if we get rid of the beard we might just get rid of the illness," he said.
However before getting out the razor he has decided to take the plunge and take the chop in the name of the Leukaemia Foundation. And he is looking to rally up support.
"I am hoping to get sponsors, I reckon if we can raise at least $10,000 then that might be enough to help with further research," he said.
Mr Mahoney said he plans to professionally do away with his beard in a few weeks time. He joked about the time he still had left with his beard and said he hoped he could evade the authorities.
"I am surprised National Parks and Wildlife haven't shown an interest. There are said to be protected species living in this beard - not to mention the fire hazard," he laughed.
The shave will take place at the Rusty Plough, Eden on March 20, from 10am-12pm. For information call Stephen on 0414 321 347.
