Sisters lead inspiring fundraiser for cancer services at University Hospital Limerick
Norrie Sheehan and Mary Thompson from Mountcollins ‘braved the shave’ at a fundraising evening at the family home in Knockulcare
TWO Limerick sisters have bravely shaved their heads in a bid to raise funds for the oncology services at University Hospital Limerick.
Norrie Sheehan and Mary Thompson from Mountcollins ‘braved the shave’ on July 3 supported by their family members at a fundraising evening at the family home in Knockulcare, Mountcollins. Their sister Julia shaved their heads, adding to the family affair.
Mary is based in Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) in the Carribean but when she discovered Norrie was doing a headshave and she knew she would be home at the same time she quickly jumped on board.
Norrie and Mary commented: “We are proud to take on this challenge to support a cause that means so much to us. We would be grateful for any contribution you can make. Together, we can help make a difference for patients and families receiving cancer care.”
Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Norrie who is based in Killarney said they weren’t “one bit nervous” ahead of the shave. However, she became emotional right before it, explaining: "We both said how brave are people going through cancer treatments… I thought of the people that would love to have hair that lose it through sickness or whatever, so I was delighted to do it then.”
Norrie added that the support they have received for the fundraiser has been “beyond unbelievable.”
“People saw our advertisement on the gate and they were giving us money and stopping us on the road going down into the village.” Norrie continued: “Mary lives out in the TCI in the Caribbean, and they're all donating out there so it's marvellous and I live in Killarney and people are giving me the money there.”
The Limerick women hope their funding will benefit cancer research. “They're making new progress every day with cancer treatments and we don't know when it will come to our own door. Nobody wants it but we know people that have been struck by it.”
Norrie and Mary also organised a raffle between family members. A painting by their sister Bessie’s husband, Michael O’Brien, who is a retired art teacher, was raffled off, raising over €1,000.
To date, the sisters have raised a whopping €4,557 for the worthy cause. To donate search for ‘The Sheehan Sisters Brave the Shave’ on GoFundMe.