The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
A COLAISTE Mhuire student is thrilled with the “phenomenal” support she has received for a recent fundraising event for two charities.
Holly Cotter (17), Doora, Clarecastle who is completing Leaving Certificate Applied in Colaiste Mhuire, has raised more than €3,650 from cutting her long red precious locks and will continue accepting donations for another two weeks.
Having set up an iDonate page, all the proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to Clare Crusaders.
Her father, Seamus described the support to date as “phenomenal”.
He said the Clare Crusaders are relying on this fundraiser and a new draw with Munster Tech, O’Connell Street, to win a golden ticket for a PS5 playstation, which was won by Nathan O’Shea.
“Holly is delighted with her new hairstyle, everyone is admiring it. To go from long red hair to short hair is a massive change for a teenager girl.”
Seamus recalled Holly benefited from using Clare Crusaders from the age of five until she was about 13.
A friend of the Cotter family died from a brain tumour less than a year ago, which prompted Holly to do something in honour of this person and the Clare Crusaders.
She donated the hair that was cut to the Rapunzel Foundation, which uses this for wigs that can be used by cancer patients.
While the Clare Crusaders’ Clinic has been forced to close its doors, Seamus said they are still finding ways to support children with special needs remotely.
Holly outlined on her idonate page that Clare Crusaders are self financing and provide free therapy and specialist treatment to about 450 children with special needs in County Clare.
“I benefited for many years from the wonderful services provided by them, I’m only too happy that I can give something back to them.
“All funds raised here will go directly to this great cause.”
Another who wishes to make a donation can log on to www.idonate.ie/hollychopsThelocks
The Barefield clinic receives no state funding and must raise over €250,000 per annum to provide the current level of therapy for children. It delivers more than 10,000 hours annually of therapy for children.
It opened in 2007 thanks to the dedication and hard work of a group of parents to overcome the lack of publicly available treatment for children with autism and Cerebral Palsy.
Anyone who would like more information about the clinic, email theclarecrusaders@gmail.com or visit their website at www.clarecrusaders.ie
Dan Danaher
