A Raphoe woman has raised over €2,100 after taking on a brave headshave challenge in aid of Pieta House.
Kirsty Dunlop, aged 28, cut and shaved her long locks off in a bid to help others in crisis during and after the pandemic.
With all Darkness Into Light events postponed due to Covid-19, Kirsty wanted to do something to generate vital funds for Pieta House.
Last Friday, with her scissors, trimmer and mirror set up outdoors, Kirsty shaved her entire head herself and broadcast everything on Facebook live. She also cut off her ponytail in one piece to donate to the Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs to children and young people with hair loss.
Speaking to Donegal Daily, Kirsty said she was eager to support any good cause at this time.
“I got temporarily laid off due to the COVID-19 about 5 weeks ago now. I just got to thinking one day that I needed a hair cut and maybe I could do something good with the money. I had originally planned to just shave it off for charity and asked on my Facebook page for suggestions on the charity I should donate it to.”
Kirsty decided on Pieta House after a discussion with her landlord. She said: “I decided that Pieta House was a great cause to donate the money to after thinking of all the people whose mental health is going to be impacted at this time.
“Once I announced that I was doing it for Pieta House the amount of messages I received from people who are currently getting support from Pieta House at this time was crazy.”
Kirsty’s new look
Kirsty had great support as she prepared for the challenge, with one exception!
“People were just generally supportive about me shaving off my hair – except my mum who still hasn’t watched the video or seen my hair as it made her nervous but she is proud of me,” Kirsty said.
Kirsty’s Headshave donation page is still open for Pieta House, click here if you would like to find out more or support the cause: https://www.facebook.com/donate/224423855317214/