Emma, 10, to brave the shave in support of baby sister Lily

Dundee youngster’s bid to raise funds for spina bifida organisation

A doting Tayside youngster is to have her hair shaved to raise funds for the specialist charity which has helped her baby sister throughout her young life.

At the end of this month, 10-yearold Emma Traynor from Dundee will have her long locks chopped to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) as a way of thanking the organisation for their support of 18-month-old sibling, Lily.

Emma took inspiration for her effort from her favourite TV show, Stranger Things, in which actress Millie Bobby Brown’s character is clean-shaven.

Her mum, Samantha, was told at her 12-week scan that Lily had spina bifida, a neural tube defect caused when the spinal cord does not properly develop.

The Dryburgh family approached the charity for advice and at 20 weeks, it was also discovered Lily had hydrocephalus.

Samantha said: “I had never heard of spina bifida before, so I had to do lots of research and that’s when I came across SBH Scotland.

“They helped me understand what spina bifida was. Ever since then, the team at SBH Scotland have been a part of our lives.

“Emma’s hair is really thick and long, so it will definitely be a change for her.

“I’m really proud of her for wanting to do this for her little sister.”

SBH Scotland raises around £1 million annually for its work but, in common with other charities, has seen the coronavirus crisis affect its income.

It expects to lose 50% of its income due to a drop in donations as a result of the pandemic.

Fundraising director Deborah Roe said: “Emma is very brave and I’d like to say a big thank you for her efforts.”

The head shave will take place on Tuesday and donations can be made at crowdfunder page www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/samantha-traynor2

Emma Traynor with baby sister Lily, who has spina bifida.