The Byford community rallied behind resident Keith Munday at the weekend, helping him raise more than $7000 for the Asthma Foundation WA.
Mr Munday began his fundraising and awareness efforts after his 20-year-old daughter Fallon died as a result of an asthma attack in September last year.
On February 27 Mr Munday publically waxed his body hair at the Byford tavern with all proceeds going to the foundation.
He was thankful for all the people who contributed their time and money to the cause as well as the more than 150 people who attended the event.
“I always said I wasn’t getting waxed for less than $1000 and the more the better that’s for sure but it was a lot more than any of us ever imagined,” he said.
He said it was an emotional night and thoughts of his daughter helped him through.
“I had a lock of Fallon’s hair and I held that in my hand the whole time,” he said,
“I didn’t tell anyone I had it until after the waxing was finished, not even my wife knew but it helped get me through.
“The actual waxing was a piece of cake though, I don’t know what all these people are whingeing about.”
Mr Munday will continue to raise money and awareness about asthma with an event a month including the 2016 ECU Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma on April 3.
Asthma Foundation WA fundraising manager Erin Hurson hoped the bike hike, which was in its 12th year, would raise more than $185,000 and attract more that 8000 participants.
She encouraged all Western Australians to support the event, not only through riding but also through fundraising.
Help the foundation
According to the Asthma Foundation WA, one in 10 Australians have asthma and one person dies every day as a result of the disease.
Asthma is also the number one cause of hospitalisation amongst children.
For more information about the bike hike visit everydayhero.com.au/event/freewaybikehike2016.
For more information about asthma or to donate to the Asthma Foundation WA visit asthmawa.org.au or call 1800 278 462.
