In November The Avondhu reported how nine-year-old Sarah-Jane Caldwell of Shanballymore had, with the help of her mother, taken on the challenge of fundraising for children who have been hit by the traumatic illness of cancer.
Her aim was to create awareness, raise money and donate her hair to an organisation called the Little Princess Trust – a charity that provides real-hair wigs free of charge, to boys and girls that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment and other illnesses.
Her motivation arose out of the fact that her cousin Poppy suffered from Leukemia at the age of 8 in 2011 but in November, had been given the ‘all clear’ and doesn’t have to go back to hospital for tests for another year. On Wednesday, November 11, Sarah-Jane had her hair cut at Stunners Hair Salon in Mallow.
She has now received her well-earned certificates from the Little Princess Trust for her part in raising funds and donating her own hair. She would like to thank all her friends and family who sponsored and supported her in reaching and exceeding her target of €500, which is the cost of making one wig. She in fact managed to raise €719.60.
As part of her fundraising activities she has taken part in lemonade sales, the Ladies Mini Marathon in Cork, has donated her own toys and clothes, helps her mum Isabella with the Shoebox appeal every year and is in general very positive when it comes to the helping of others.
She is also very involved locally, such as with Doneraile Cubs group, as an altar helper in Christ the King Church and is part of the Green School team. She has also recently qualified for the final of the Munster Scór with her school.
In thanking everyone who sponsored and supported her efforts, Sarah-Jane and her mother maintain that giving just a little, can mean the world to those that are in need.
