Alex donates hair to charity for kids' wigs

A COMPASSIONATE Clonakilty boy has spent the past two years growing his hair to donate it to a charity that provides wigs for children.

Alex Nevin, (9) a 3rd class pupil of Gaelscoil Mhichíl Uí Choileáin, donated the 10 inches of hair he grew to The Little Princess Trust that provides wigs for children who have lost their hair, due to alopecia or a result of cancer treatment, in both the UK and Ireland. 

In addition to his hair donation, Alex also asked family and friends to sponsor his haircut by donating to the Simon Community and he raised over €100 for them.

Speaking to The Southern Star, Alex said that he had heard about the work of the charity and thought it was a really good idea so he decided to grow out his hair.

‘I didn’t mind having my hair long but people used to tease me about it. But I knew I was doing something good and that kept me going,’ said Alex.

‘I have been very upset about how many people are homeless in Ireland and I have seen people sleeping on the streets. That makes me really sad, so I wanted to raised money for the Simon Community.’

Alex’s parents Evie and Martin have spoken about how proud they are of Alex.

‘He is such a kind, compassionate and empathetic child and if more people were like him, the world would be a better place. 

‘So many people mistook him for a girl and he was teased quite a bit, but he persevered,’ said Evie.

‘He gets so upset about the injustice in the world, particularly the housing crisis. When we are in Cork city, he sees the sleeping bags in doorways and gets annoyed that our Government has allowed this to happen. Alex knows I am running for Cork County Council and has asked me to make housing a priority. So it was no surprise that he wanted to raise money for the Simon Community,’ said Evie.

Martin added that he wished he had half as much confidence as Alex when he was that age.

‘He is an amazing child and I hope his actions will inspire kindness and compassion in others,’ said Martin.