A close shave for Clare teenager supporting Irish Cancer Society

A CLARE teenager is proving to be a cut above with her fundraising efforts for the Irish Cancer Society. Ella Fitzpatrick, a transition year student at Colaiste Muire in Ennis is going to shave off her 14 inch long hair for the charity. The 16-year-old has been be joined by her father Tadhg and family friend John Galvin who will also both have their heads shaved. While two other Colaiste students, Rebecca Meaney and Emma Foxx have agreed to dye their hair pink for the cause.
Already the fundraising drive has surpassed its €3,000 target, a delighted Ella tells us. She had planned to shave her head at an event at the Inn at Dromoland, however this had to be cancelled due to Covid-19. Instead, she will cut her hair this Saturday from the socially distant location of her Newmarket-on-Fergus home, and will video the occasion and put on social media.
She explains that she had wanted to take part in the Shave or Dye fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society for the past five years. “I remember seeing other people shaving their hair in order to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society and I just knew that it was something I wanted to do. I also have had some family and friends affected by cancer and sadly I feel that lots of people can relate. I thought that as this was my transition year it would be the ideal time as I could devote more time to raising as much as I could, then my dad decided to join me and we’ve had even more people come on board.”
With 14 inches of hair, she admits that the shave will be a dramatic transformation for her, but it’s something she is more than willing to do.
“My hair has always been very long, I’ve never had it shorter than my shoulders so it will definitely be a big change for me. I know my hair is something that can always grow back. I’m excited, and nervous at the same time, but I’m mostly excited. We have already gone passed our target of €3,000 which is just fantastic.”
Before the head shave, she will be cutting her locks and donating them to the Rapunzel Foundation which supports those suffering from hair loss.
She has been blown away by the level of support the fundraising effort has received. “It’s just crazy, everyone has been so generous and it’s lovely to see everyone coming out and giving donations, sharing it. I’ve had my dad and others join in which is just great, friends and family are all behind me and looking forward to seeing the video. Covid-19 has had an impact on the plans, but I’m so happy to be able to still do this and help raise money for the great work of the Irish Cancer Society.”
The video of the shave will be put on YouTube and social media. To donate to Ella’s fundraiser check https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ellafitzpatrick2020