But that didn't stop young mother Belinda Thomas and her two-and-a-half-year-old son Harrison Thomas from taking a literal short cut to help the Leukaemia Foundation fight the deadly blood disorder.

Belinda also happens to be well placed to take part in the foundation's now annual World's Greatest Shave fund-raiser.

She owns and operates Vivid Hair Creations at Woodrising.

With six other volunteers the newly formed V8 team set out to raise $2500 but exceeded their goal by raising $3235.

"There's probably more to come from pledges not yet counted," Belinda, from Maitland, said.

Included were Woodrising residents Will Angel, Kelly Ryan, Vanessa and Philip Clift and their daughter Christiana, plus Daniel Cedergren of Fennell Bay.