From 9am to 4pm, members of Dr Sharon Prince's cancer laboratory in the Department of Human Biology worked alongside volunteers and staff of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), industriously shaving, or enthusiastically spraying the large numbers of people who arrived to show their support for CANSA.

And speaking of large numbers, this industrious team raised an impressive R7 000 on the day; R1 000 for each hour spent wielding the electric shaver or spray can. "Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, whether it is a family member, friend or themselves. By participating in the CANSA Shavathon, we have the opportunity to support the work of CANSA, and the fight against the disease," said Dr Sharon Prince, who initiated the event.

The Faculty's Shavathon team was also proud to host family and friends of Dr Doug Banks, a graduate of UCT's Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, who died of cancer recently. University pal, Dave Gale, and a group of Doug's friends have also started the Doug Banks Renewable Energy Vision Initiative in his memory - to learn more, visit www.dougbanks.co.za.

Family members, including Doug's wife, Hélène (also a UCT graduate) and their three children, as well as friends, arrived at the Barnard Fuller Plaza at 2.30pm, where, amidst much laughter and reminiscing, they proceeded to shave and spray in memory of Doug. "It was gratifying to play a role in commemorating the life of a person lost to cancer in such a positive way," added Dr Prince.

For more CANSA Shavathon photos, click here.