PROMINENT cancer care campaigner Mary Coyle shaved her head on Monday night as part of a fundraiser for the local charity Donegal Cancer Flights and Services.
The act came at the end of a significant few weeks for the Dore based campaigner, who had been at the forefront of a major public effort to protect vital air links between Donegal and Dublin.
When concerns arose over proposed changes to the public service obligation flights, Mary mobilised widespread support across the county.
The campaign gathered momentum quickly, drawing backing from tens of thousands determined to maintain a schedule that allows cancer patients to travel to Dublin for treatment and return home the same day.
That effort paid off last week when it was confirmed the full service would be restored.
On Monday night, Mary turned her attention back to fundraising, shaving her head in a gesture of solidarity with the many patients the charity has supported over the years.
The idea had not been planned in advance, but was inspired by her former client, Tommy Socks, who bravely shaved his head and beard to raise funds for the same cause.
Speaking to the Donegal News afterwards, Mary explained how her decision was rooted in empathy for those undergoing treatment.
“I thought, it’s my choice to cut my hair if I want to, but a lot of them don’t have that choice when they’re going through their treatment and they lose their hair.
“I thought it would be nice to show a bit of solidarity with them.”
Mary described how she shared her decision with her family shortly before going ahead, including a brief exchange with her husband moments before the shave.
“I walked up to my husband and I said ‘I’m just about to shave my hair off, is that ok with you?’ and he said, ‘You just carry on’.”
She also highlighted the importance of local fundraising efforts, and explained how every euro raised goes directly towards easing the financial strain on cancer patients across Donegal, particularly those who must travel frequently to the capital for treatment.
“When all of that money was rolling in, I was sitting on that high stool thinking ‘yes, you made the right choice’,” Mary said.
The head shave took place during the closing day of Féile Chroithlí over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, where more than €15,000 was raised for the local charity.
An online fundraiser has also been launched by Coiste Forbartha Chroithlí, with donations continuing to come in.
You can donate via the following link.