Bornacoola pupil Éabhín Howard, 10, donates decade of hair to help sick children

Ten-year-old Éabhín Howard from Bornacoola is preparing to cut off her long hair for charity after spending almost a decade growing it — all to help sick children in two very special ways.

Éabhín, who is in 4th class at Scoil Mhuire NS, Bornacoola, has decided to donate 14 inches of her hair to the Rapunzel Foundation, which provides wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness. Alongside the hair donation, she is also fundraising for LauraLynn, Ireland’s children’s hospice, which supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

In total, 14 inches of Éabhín’s hair will be donated to the Rapunzel Foundation, while all money raised will go directly to LauraLynn.

“She’s really been growing her hair for about ten years,” her mother explained. “She’s only ever had trims since she was very little. She had a trim before her Communion in 2024 and hasn’t had it cut since. Over the past year, she became really focused on doing this for charity.”

Éabhín’s hair is completely natural and has never been dyed — a key requirement for wig donations.

When asked why she wanted to take part, Éabhín said she hopes her hair will help another child feel better.

“I hope I can help a child who doesn’t have hair,” she said. “There are two parts to it — donating my hair for a wig, and raising money for LauraLynn to help sick children.”

Éabhín will have her hair cut this Saturday, January 10, and plans to mark the moment by sharing before-and-after photos online.

“I will miss my long hair, but I know it will grow back,” she said. “I’m happy to have the chance to help other children by donating my hair and raising money.”

She also wanted to thank everyone who has supported her so far.

“I want to thank you all for the donations and words of encouragement,” Éabhín said. “It means a lot to me.”

The fundraiser will remain open for the rest of the month. Donations can be made through Éabhín’s iDonate page at:
 https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/abhnhoward498

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