Ben Haslam first noticed a lump on his neck earlier this year.
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And after a few tests the 19-year-old third-year apprentice plumber was diagnosed with cancer. But for the Thurgoona teenager one of his main concerns was that he could lose his job.
Not only did his work give him all the time off he needed, his colleagues have also decided to give back to the place that helped save his life.
KBC Plumbing has entered a team in the virtual Sunshine Walk and have a goal of raising $15,000 for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund.
But as owner Kade Bell-Chambers said, they are taking their support for their mate, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in March, a step further by shaving their heads before the walk.
"It was pretty devastating when Ben told us the news," he said.
"He is like family to us so we were so thankful he could receive treatment here while we could support him.
"Ben was having treatment every two weeks for six months, so being able to do that locally was so important for him, especially during the pandemic and border closures.
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"It was actually my idea to put our hands up and shave our heads for Benny. There will be six of us go bald and three to colour their hair just as an extra incentive to raise those vital funds for the cancer centre."
Mr Haslam, who started at the Lavington business doing work experience at 15, underwent surgery to have the lump removed followed by six months of chemotherapy. He finished treatment on September 22.
"It was pretty incredible when Kade and a few of my work mates came to me and said we should raise some money and do the Sunshine Walk," Mr Haslam said.
"When you are pretty sick the last thing you want to do is travel to Melbourne for treatment so to be able to access it in my home town was incredible.
"I was very lucky to not have to worry about having a job to come back to. I love my work and everyone I work with and can't wait to get stuck back into work, and seeing them all shave their heads as well.
"It's just the little things that make it a lot easier when you're sick."
The team has already raised more than $5000.
The Sunshine Walk, which like all community events this year, will be held virtually on Sunday, November 22 to ensure social distancing and the safety of participants.
While organisers know registrations will be down on last year's inaugural event, they are hoping the community registers online and gets behind the cancer centre in their own space next month.
Visit sunshinewalk.org.au to register or to donate.