Cavan guys up for the chop for cancer charities

Haircuts and beard trims will be in high demand once barber shops open up again next month and eight big-hearted Cavan men are making the most of the opportunity in the interim to raise funds for three locally-based cancer charities.

Organiser Tom Maguire told the Celt they plan to get their heads and beards shaved on Saturday, May 8.

They have established a gofundme page and they also have sponsorship cards in circulation. They have already raised more than €3,000 of a €5,000 target.

Tom was motivated to organise the fundraiser when a cousin of his was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago. “The day I heard about it was the occasion the Late Late Show was raising money for cancer and Jedward were getting their heads shaved. I said I will have a go at that,” he revealed.

Jim Lalor from St Christopher’s Hospice in Cavan thanked the men for their thoughtful gesture and said the money will be put to good use.

“All funds are gratefully accepted. They are needed. There is a big development upcoming in the near future and we are going to require all the money we can get,” he said.

Jimmy O’Donnell from Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care also complimented the men on their caring initiative. “All money that comes into us is used by the palliative care team, who are looking after people with an end-of-life diagnosis. Without people like this, we could not continue. It is generous people in communities all over the place that allow the Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care team to continue with its work,” he remarked.

The other third of the funds raised will go to Cancer Support Services, a group that offers support to people going through cancer treatments.