NINE-year-old Erin Guest from Monaleen in Limerick City has a lot less hair than she used to, but she still has a huge heart.
After years of growing her princess locks, Erin recently decided to cut her hair in aid of Milford Hospice and the Rapunzel Foundation, helping two good causes in one snip.
Erin – who has just started fourth class in the Model School on O’Connell Avenue – told the Limerick Post that, having made the tough decision to sacrifice her long hair, she was really excited about her new hair do.
Erin’s grandad, Martin Guest, passed away during the first Covid lockdown. He was assisted by the staff of Milford Hospice before passing away at home in April 2020.
His daughter-in law, Erin’s mum, Elaine, told the Limerick Post: “The staff of Milford were so fantastic and looked after him so well but we couldn’t give him the send-off we would have liked with only ten people allowed at the time.”
Erin decided to raise funds for Milford in her grandad’s name as a thank you for the kindness the staff showed Martin and the family at a very difficult time.
Speaking about her grandad, Erin says “he was very good at giving hugs, he had such big hands”.
Said Elaine, “Erin is very much a ‘girlie’ girl and loves her hair, so this was a big step for her. She has never cut her hair before, or even been to the hairdressers”.
Erin cut her locks and donated the ponytail to Rapunzel Foundation who returned with a thank you card accompanied by a photo of the young girl who received the hair after it was made into a wig.
Last week, Erin presented Milford Hospice with a cheque for over €3,500.
“Erin was looking forward to the evening for so long and we were delighted of the opportunity and to have both grannies with us to share the day,” said Elaine
“It’s been such a positive experience for Erin and the whole family, we wanted to thank everyone sincerely for all the support in raising the funds,” she added.
And the generosity keeps flowing. Erin’s younger sister, Karen (7), is also planning to cut her hair and donate it to Rapunzel Foundation.
