A 10 years-old Sligo schoolboy has had his head shaved as part of the Irish Cancer Society’s Shave or Dye campaign to support his grandad who has been undergoing treatment for cancer.
Matthew Ballantyne, a pupil at St Brendan’s primary school in Cartron, had his head shaved at the school on Friday last by Anthony Kilcoyne of Salon 2 hairdressing salon.
His mother Gwen explained that the idea had come from Matthew himself.
“His grandad John Ballantyne was diagnosed with leukemia in August last and was in hospital for quite a while undergoing treatment.
“Thankfully he is out of hospital. He is in remission and doing brilliantly and was able to be there for Matthew’s head shave.”
Gwen said that it was the fact that his grandad had to shave his head and beard during the treatment that had inspired Matthew.
“He told me, if Grandad can do it so can I”, she said.
“We are extremely proud of him. It was something he came up with himself and his grandad was delighted when we told him.”
Each year St Brendan’s picks a charity to support during Lent and this year Gwen said they approached the school to see if the Cancer Society’s Shave or Dye campaign could be this year’s charity and they were very supportive.
Gwen said that initially they had hoped to raise €250 but already Matthew’s head shave has raised €876 from family and friends and there will be more to come through the school.
If anyone wants to support Matthew’s effort they can do so through St Brendan’s school or on the website https://www.justgiving.com/Matthew-ballantyne1/
