ORIGINAL STORY: Georgie's big fight
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SAM McGowan's children have never seen him without a beard.
His long chin hair is so much a part of his identity that his work mates refer to him as a Ned Kelly look-a-like.
But the 40-year-old diesel mechanic will shave his beloved beard on Friday during a fundraising barbecue at Andy's Earthmovers.
Staff at Andy's Earthmovers have high hopes for the fundraiser - they are aiming to raise $2500 to donate to former workmate Andrew Manning.
Mr Manning's two-year-old daughter Georgie has been diagnosed with primitive neuroectodermal tumours, a rare cancer characterised by clusters of tumours on the brain and spine.
Georgie is in the Royal Children's Hospital and Andrew has moved his young family from Bendigo to Melbourne to be closer to the hospital.
Mr Manning worked at Andy's Earthmovers as an auto electrician from 2005 to 2011.
Mr McGowan said his heart went out to the family and losing his beard was all for a worthy cause.
"It's not something anyone should have to go through," he said.
"We're trying to help them out as much as we can."
People can donate to the cause or find out more information by emailing hr@andysem.com.au