Plucky Lily cuts off her long locks for three cancer charities
Lily McCarthy will get her locks cut this week to raise money for three cancer support charities
PLUCKY Lily McCarthy is to cut her long locks of hair off in a real act of bravery for those living and dealing with cancer.
The 8-year-old Royal Oak, Bagenalstown trooper decided to say good-bye to her beautiful, glossy brown hair to raise funds for three cancer charities. She's getting her hair cut on Saturday 6 September at 11.30am in Peter Marks Salon, Carlow.
Lily, who is in third class in Ballinabranna National School, decided to take on the brave deed, after she lost one of her grannies earlier this year.
Her father Shane was also diagnosed with cancer when Lily was younger.
“I decided to donate any money I raise from cutting my hair to cancer charities as I’ve experienced a whole lot of people in my life being sick with this condition,” explained Lily. “I’m doing this in memory of my granny and for my Dad who has survived cancer.” The determined young girl is not worried about chopping her luscious waist length hair off because she wants to help others.
“I know I’ll kind of miss my hair but all types and ages of kids and adults get cancer so I just want to help them.” Lily admitted that due to her deciding to cut her hair one of her friends and cousin are now doing the same.
“It’s good they are doing the same and I’m not worried about getting my haircut but the only thing that I’m scared of is the hairdresser cutting my neck.
“I wanted to cut my hair so I can give it to children who have lost theirs because of illness. I’ve seen how much support these charities give to people in need, and I want to help too. Every donation, no matter the size, will bring hope and comfort to children and families when they need it most.”
The Carlow girl appealed to everyone to donate what they can to her campaign. “Please help me reach my goal and support these incredible causes. Thank you so much for your kindness and support.” Her mother Clare revealed that the entire family are “very proud” of Lily’s actions.
“Lily is doing this off her own bat and because there have been and are people in her life who are and have dealt with cancer.
“Last January Lily lost her granny and we have been open about everything that was happening to her and to her father Shane as best we can. We talk about these situations in a nice way to help her understand. Lily is a sensitive soul and thinks a lot about others. She wants to make a difference,” continued Clare.
“Her granny was cremated and some of her ashes were brought back to her native Donegal so that was important for us all.”
Clare explained that Lily will be making a video reel of her before she says goodbye to her hair, during the event and after, while the experienced hairdressers in Peter Marks, Carlow, get to work on styling her new look.
“Lily hasn’t picked an exact date yet in September when she will cut her hair but the lovely staff in Peter Marks said they would help. All Lily wants to do is create awareness around those dealing and living with cancer,” her proud mother highlighted.
Clare admitted that her daughter’s hair grows “so fast” and her selfless act should not shock her that much.
To help Lily raise €1,000 for three charities of her choice, Little Princess Trust, Marie Curie Hospice, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation while she will also be donating her hair to make a wig for a child with cancer or hair loss log onto Gofundme.com/Lily’s Wish Cut This act of kindness was entirely Lily’s idea and has already touched the hearts of family, friends, and her school community.
She is determined to make a difference and would love your support in spreading the word to inspire others to give.
