Roscommon girl's special cut for charity 

An 11-year-old girl from Corrigenoroe, Boyle has had a special type of haircut.

Rhona Graham wanted to donate to charity but at 11- years old fundraising can be difficult so she opted to donate 14 inches of her hair to the Rapunzel Foundation and raised €160 for the LauraLynn charity.

Her hair was always long, but she patiently waited, let it grow and earlier this month took the leap. Rhona got her hair cut in local hairdressers Hair and More in Boyle.

Neasa Naughton from Elphin, Rhona’s aunt, said she wasn’t one bit surprised by her niece’s determination.

“She’s such a kind and caring girl. That’s her nature.” The Rapunzel Foundation was founded in 2010 by Anna Furlong in New Ross, County Wexford. It was created to support those who are going through hair loss, and the hair donated is turned into wigs.

Anna’s inspiration for the Rapunzel Foundation came from the powerful story of Caitlin, an eight-year-old girl experiencing permanent hair loss, and the very real challenges faced by children and families in similar situations.

LauraLynn’s mission is to provide personalised services to children with palliative care needs, complex care needs and complex disabilities. The charity also provides family support services.

Rhona, at 11-years-old, led the charge for the fundraiser. Her aunt explained that she did most of the work herself and was the driving force behind it.

When she is not raising money for charity Rhona plays football for St. Michael’s and camogie for Boyle. 

Rhona, the youngest of three children, has an older sister Niamh who is 13 and an older brother Philip (14).

She is daughter of Íosha and Alan Graham and all are incredibly proud of her with the determination and selflessness she has shown.