Time to go hair crazy for children with cancer

Alannah dropped into Maginn's in Castlewellan this week to encourage locals to take part in the annual St Baldrick's Head Shave event on 23 April.

Money raised through the event will be used by children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent to fund childhood cancer research, which will benefit children across Northern Ireland.

Alannah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September 2009. The family have been supported by a CLIC Sargent Social Worker based in the Royal Victoria Hospital; the CLIC Sargent's Community Play Specialist and have also been given financial grant by the charity.

Alannah's parents, Julie-Anne and Frank, said "CLIC Sargent has been so good with Alannah and extremely helpful throughout her treatment. We would like to encourage as many people as possible to support the event at Maginns by either sponsoring the volunteers or even volunteering yourself to have your hair shaved, waxed or dyed."

Each week in Northen Ireland two children or young peple are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia. CLIC Sargent funds social wokers, a youth development worker, a clinical psychologist and a play specialist as well as grants and holidays to support families affected by childhood cancer.

Katie Setterfield, CLIC Sargent's Area Fundraising Manager for Northern Ireland said, "We're delighted to have Alannah and her family's support in encouraging people to take part in the Maginn's head shaving event. Over the last three years this event has raised over 45,000 for CLIC Sargent, thanks to the support of local businesses and the community.

"This year we are looking for volunteers to show their support by getting spnsored to shave their head, wax their legs or even dye their hair a crazy colour.

"We are proud to have partnered with the St.Baldrick's Foundation, who has 10 years experience of runing these types of events. Every penny raised can really help to make a difference to children and young people with cancer, and their families."

The fundraising committee have a number of events organised in the run up to the big day on the 23rd April, including a children's fun day and poker night for the adults on the 11th. To find out more about the event contact Anne or Roisin at Central Hair Studio on 43723018 or Martin at Maginn's Bar on 43778235