Amelia’s a cut above the rest with charity chop

LITTLE Amelia McAleer had ten inches cut off her beautiful blonde hair, raising over £2000 for four charities close to her and her family’s hearts.

The three-year-old Arvalee pupil, along with her mother and nine-month-old baby brother, Joshua, arrived at Charlene McGinn’s house in Castlederg to make the generous donation of her hair to the Little Princess Trust.

As well as the gift of hair which will be used to fashion a wig for a child by the Little Princess Trust, the money Amelia has raised will be divided between four worthwhile causes; Arvalee, Children’s Occupational Therapy department; The Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund and Make a Wish Foundation.

Amelia has additional needs and goes to Arvalee and so her mother Lisa knows the true value the facility holds for those who attend and depend on it.

She also visits the Occupational Therapy department at Omagh Hospital, where Lisa has been assured that the money will enrich the experience of all the kids who use the facility.

“I was speaking with Fionna from the department,” said Lisa, “and she said they already have the money spent on various different types of specialised sensory equipment.

“They have bought sensory mats, sensory balls, and fibre optic lights – she said that the amount of use and enjoyment that the children will get out of this equipment is huge.”

Lisa and the wider family are also glad to be able to repay The Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund who provided support for Lisa’s father when he received a diagnosis.

“When Dad was diagnosed they helped us whenever we needed them – my sisters are nurses so we were able to take care of him right up to the end, but we appreciated everything that the Fund done for us.”

Amelia’s bravery is making a real difference in the lives of people who depend on the services of these organisations.