Sarah & Beau's Shave or Dye challenge - "It was emotional because we had a choice"
By cutting her beloved dreadlocks of six years, Sarah Matthews felt she was offering a small gesture of support for those who do not have a choice.
Sarah parted with her trademark dreads in June for the Irish Cancer Society Shave or Dye challenge as a tribute to her late father Eamon, who she lost in March.
The event, which has so far raised over €4,000, turned out to be a lovely family occasion that was both happy and emotional.
Sarah's 10-year-old son Beau also got involved.
"My son Beau decided that he was going to join me and take part in the Shave or Dye challenge, and it meant the world to me to have his support," says Sarah from Raheny.
"We were at granny's house and he said ‘I'm going to do it with you’. I was taken aback but thrilled. The school were great too: Beau's teacher sponsored him and he brought in his t-shirt, and afterwards he was brought down to the principal; everyone was super proud of him.
"My mam shaved my hair, and Beau's cousin Saoirse who is also 10 shaved Beau's with the help of my sister and uncle. It was close family and friends there on the day - it was an emotional but lovely day."
Sarah was inspired by her father's determination to live his life through nearly four years of treatment after being diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
"My dad never complained, he was amazing and he never let anything stop him. He would be out in his beautiful garden come rain or shine, no matter what.
"The challenge felt emotional. Myself and Beau had a choice to shave our heads but there are so many people affected by cancer that don't have the choice who they may lose their hair.
“If our small gesture of haircuts can help raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society then I would encourage anyone to just go for it."
You can still support Sarah and Beau's fundraiser here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sarah-Matthews65
This summer, make your terrible home haircut a fun fundraising event, and raise money for people affected by cancer at a time when they most need your support.
