CAITLIN GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS
Charity boost from haircut
A kind-hearted Blairgowrie girl has donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust after being moved by the plight of children who have lost their hair due to illness.
Caitlin McCarthy (11), a pupil at Newhill Primary School in the town, had grown her hair for around two years so that it was long enough to be cut off and donated to the charity.
And she also raised an incredible £800 for The Little Princess Trust - which makes children’s wigs for those who have lost their hair through treatment for cancer or other illnesses beating her initial target of £500.
Caitlin said that after having come up with the idea and growing her hair for so long, she was quite nervous about getting it cut even though it was for a good cause.
But fortunately she had her parents, Leanne and Mike, her little sister Eilidh and both her grannys with her for support.
Caitlin said: “I felt quite sad when it was cut off but I know it’s going to help someone who is being treated for cancer of hair loss. I like my new hair cut and I’m proud of having raised so much money, I hope it helps someone.”
Caitlin’s granny, Pat McCarthy, added: “We are all very proud of Caitlin for thinking about others in this way, having the patience to grow her hair and then actually being able to go through with getting it cut.
“My husband Dennis had radiotherapy for a brain tumour before he died. He was devastated by the loss of his hair so I know how bad it must be for children, which is why I am so proud of her for doing this.
“She has had donations from friends and family as far afield as the US as well as closer to home.
“Everyone’s been very generous and we are very grateful to everyone who supported Caitlin.”
Caitlin had her hair cut by Val Smith at Gibson Hair and Beauty.