‘Rapunzel’ gets chop for charity
Rutherglen girl cuts her long hair
A Rutherglen schoolgirl has been inspired to do her bit for charity by the bravery of a youngster from Northern Ireland.
Kirsty Baird will have her long locks chopped to raise money for Yorkhill and to help make wigs for the Little Princess charity.
The 14-year-old was inspired by the story of Dempsey Ballantyne.
She fought a gruelling battle with cancer and passed away last month at the age of just eight.
Kirsty, who is from Cathkin, wanted to do her bit and decided it was time to get her hair cut for a good cause.
Proud dad Gordon said: “Her hair is like Rapunzel.
“She was really inspired by wee Dempsey.
“When she was first diagnosed she was told she would only have a few months but she was determined and lived two more years.
“Kirsty was hoping her hair could go to her, but obviously that has come too late. “She’s a very clever girl. “She reads a lot about stuff like this and she thought by getting her hair cut she could make someone happy.”
The family is hosting a special event at Cambuslang Rigby Club on Friday, February 24.
Kirsty’s friends from Cathkin High will be there, along with friends of the family.
Raffles and auctions have been organised, with one auction even to decide who gets to cut the hair off.
Despite losing her long hair, Gordon reckons the former West Coats pupils isn’t nervous.
“I think she’s more looking forward to donating it rather than thinking she doesn’t want to get it cut,” he says.
“It’s currently 30 inches and she’s hoping to take 20 off.
“Her mum is a hairdresser and wanted to cut it but I thought we could make some more money for charity by auctioning that off.”
Anyone able to help donate prizes or to donate on the night can contact Gordon on 07908813860.
All the money raised will go to the Yorkhill Children’s Charity.
The Little Princess Trust was launched in 2006 to provide quality wigs for children with cancer.