Bald Gilly came into being in 2013 as an annual tribute to the memory of my father, the late (Norman) David Gilchrist as a twist on the more widely known "World's Greatest Shave", which takes place across Australia earlier in the year. The initial concept was more of a dare for my mates to put their money where their mouths are, thinking that I'd put the initial target so high that there was no chance I'd have to actually go through with it and bare the physical scars of paediatric neurosurgery which up until that point had not seen the light of day in 30 years. The execution of the concept meant that I have never underestimated the generosity of my mates ever since. It also showed me, that once my ugly mug was out there for all to see, the one act of physical vulnerability I do annually hopefully already has made a difference in the lives of those who have gone through the same things we have since the day the music died. On 22 July 2021, our family welcomed David's granddaughter to the world, and from the following year onwards, I have committed to launching the formal fundraising period on this day so that the centre of my world will always have a connection to the most inspirational man I will ever know. Dad, this one, as always is for you. For the full background, including links to past years' fundraisers and "before and after pictures" from all shaves done thus far, check out the Bald Gilly facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BaldGilly/ At the time of this year's scheduled shave on October 24, it will be 10 years since I first made the commitment to shave my head in memory of dad. In that time, your support has helped raise more than $10,000 for not for profit organisations supporting cancer research, disability organisations and children's charities. The intent at the time of launch of this year's campaign was to extend our ongoing support to the Golden Stave Foundation in recognition of their ongoing support of dad's memory in their naming of their annual Golf Day competition. Our annual attendance at these golf days is ongoing and we will always do what we can to make a difference to the charities Golden Stave supports. Long time supporters will know that I vary the "donation matching" beneficiary depending on personal circumstance, and in recent months, personal circumstances have brought about a mid-campaign change to the organisation which will be the beneficiary of this year's matching.

Those of you who have followed Bald Gilly's fundraising efforts for a long time will know that back in 2018, part of the donation matching total supported David's sister following a spinal stroke in May 2018. Even after this significantly altered her life, Janine, her husband Pip, children and grandchildren never let it get them down, with Janine being the doting mother and grandmother over her right up until early this year. Not long after the launch of this year's campaign, Janine's health took a turn, and in August 2023, she passed away surrounded by her beloved family, with us as members of her extended family being fortunate enough to see her and share some quality time with her in the month before.

In memory of Aunty Janine, David's beloved sister, Bald Gilly will be making a donation equivalent to the total raised in this year's campaign (up to the fundraising target) to The Stroke Foundation on January 10, 2024, which would have been Janine's 70th birthday, so this year, your donation will not only make a difference to the lives of those impacted by cancer, but also stroke. Over the past ten years, through your generous donations as well as Bald Gilly's donation matching in recent years has collectively raised tens of thousands of dollars to honour the memory of a one of a kind, dearly loved and missed husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and confidant. This year's page was published in mid July, and the campaign launched on 22 July, the second birthday of Bald Gilly's niece (and David's adored granddaughter) Chiara, whom David would have loved with all his heart. To celebrate Chiara whilst remembering the grandfather she never got the chance to meet, Bald Gilly's annual fundraising target has been $2207 since 2022. As always, thank you once again for the difference you have made. Not just in the lives of those supported by the not for profit organisations you have donated to , but the light you have brought to the heart of Bald Gilly and the extended BG Family, which you have become a part of in your support. I continue to be deeply humbled by the love and support of those who have made a difference.