Despite receiving ample support from her foster carers, Ms Purchase described her childhood as "difficult", going in and out of comas that would sometimes last multiple days.

"I don't know exactly how long I would go out for because I was so young, but I was a very sick little girl," she said.

"It was and still is very stressful dealing with it."

IN OTHER NEWS

Now, as a diabetic of forty-four years Ms Purchase has shaved her head to raise money for Diabetes Victoria.

So far she's raised $1235 out of a $2000 goal.

"I'm a bit nervous to shave it all off - it's a bit scary but I'll be fine. It's all going to a greater cause," she said.

Ms Purchase thought of the idea herself after seeing similar fundraisers for those with living with cancer.

"I thought, I haven't heard many people giving donations to diabetic people like they do with cancer, so I'll get this going," she said.

Also a student at South West TAFE, Ms Purchase got the trim on-campus, joined by teacher Jamie Winderlich who also shaved his dreadlocks in support of the cause.

"When I told Jamie he just shook my hand and said, 'I'll support you and I'll do it as well'," Ms Purchase said.

"I'm in the National Disability Insurance Scheme so I go to class every Friday.

"My whole class support (the cause and) what I'm doing."

If you would like to make a donation to Ms Purchase's fundraiser, you can do so using the following link: https://give.diabetesvic.org.au/my-fundraising/19/delmarie-purchase

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