Saoirse chops her locks for charity

Saoirse Rose from Baltimore after getting her hair cut for the Rapunzel Foundation at Aisling’s hair salon in Skibbereen. (Photo: Anne Minihane)

By James Cox

A YOUNG Baltimore girl decided to prove that real courage is not just in fairytales.

Saoirse Rose (6) grew out her hair to 14” with the sole purpose of not keeping it.

Instead she went to the hairdressers last week and donated the extraordinary length to the Rapunzel Foundation, an organisation that creates wigs for people suffering from alopecia – the auto-immune disease that causes hair loss.

Not only did Saoirse raise awareness and hair for the foundation, but because construction of wigs can be expensive, she also raised €800 in charitable donations.

Saoirse’s red hair will be greatly appreciated as there is always a demand for red-headed contributions.

According to her mum Sharon, Saoirse is delighted with the knowledge that her hair is being used to help make much needed wigs to improve the lives of those living with hair loss. Saoirse has inspired some of her friends, who ‘love her new short hairstyle’, says Sharon, and are now taking an interest in the charity and considering donating their own hair.

‘Saoirse is proud that she is helping someone in need,’ said Sharon, who added that she hopes her daughter’s example will persuade others to participate in donating hair.

She reminded readers that people of any age can donate and encouraged anyone interested to get involved with this important cause by visiting the website at www.rapunzelfoundation.com.