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Two inspirational Kerry sisters are preparing to donate 12 inches of their long hair to the Little Princess Trust while raising vital funds for the Kerry Branch of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA). Jessica (12) and Amber (7) Donnelly from Milltown were joined by kidney transplant recipient and recently crowned Special Olympics Ireland 100m gold medallist Joe Buckley from nearby Faha to officially launch their Family Fun Fundraiser.
Organised by the girls’ mother, Sandra Flynn Donnelly who operates the local business Sandra Flynn Beauty, has chosen to hold the fundraising event at Faha Court & The Courtyard, Killarney from 5.30pm to 9.00pm on Friday, 24th July. Jessica and Amber have also launched an online iDonate fundraising campaign, giving family, friends and supporters near and far the opportunity to contribute. www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/jessicadonnelly11.
Alongside supporting the Little Princess Trust, Jessica and Amber chose to raise funds for the Kerry Branch of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in recognition of its vital work supporting local kidney patients and their families, while helping to fund the charity’s patient support, advocacy, counselling, peer support and organ donor awareness services.
Their Family Fun Fundraiser will also help raise awareness of the life-changing impact of organ donation while bringing the local community together for an enjoyable evening of entertainment and family activities.
The highlight of the evening will see Jessica and Amber each have 12 inches of their hair cut and donated to the Little Princess Trust, which provides real-hair wigs, free of charge, to children and young people who have lost their hair through cancer treatment and other medical conditions. Jessica’s hair will be cut by Melissa O’Connor, who is based in Callinafercy, Milltown, while Amber’s hair will be cut by Sarah Fitzgerald who works in Killarney. Both hairdressers are generously volunteering their time and skills to support this special cause.
For Jessica, this will be her second hair donation. Last year she donated 13 inches of her hair in aid of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, raising €1,600. Remarkably, her hair has since grown back, long enough to allow her to once again help children facing serious illness. Inspired by her older sister’s generosity, Amber has decided to make her first hair donation, proudly following Jessica’s example.
Helping the two Donnelly sisters to launch the fundraiser was Joe Buckley, whose own story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of organ donation. Joe, who will celebrate his 29th birthday in August, underwent a kidney transplant seven years ago after spending two years on haemodialysis at University Hospital Kerry.
Fresh from an outstanding performance at the recent Special Olympics Ireland Games at Morton Stadium in Santry, Dublin, Joe, representing Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, won a gold medal in the 100m and achieved fourth place finishes in the mini javelin and relay events.
Joe’s mother, Noreen Buckley, said the transplant transformed his life.
“The transplant gave Joe a new lease of life. Seeing how far he has come and him represent Kerry Stars at the Special Olympics Ireland Games and win a gold medal is something we’re very proud of. It shows just how life-changing organ donation can be.”
Noreen Buckley
“While Joe’s transplant has transformed his life, it is not a cure. He will always be a kidney patient and will need lifelong anti-rejection medication, regular renal specialist care and ongoing monitoring. The support of the Irish Kidney Association continues to be invaluable, not just for Joe but for all kidney patients and their families throughout their lifelong journey.”
Noreen Buckley
Sandra Flynn Donnelly said she and her daughters were delighted to have Joe help launch the fundraiser.
“It was wonderful to have Joe with us. As both a kidney transplant recipient and a Special Olympics gold medallist, he is an inspiring example of the life-changing difference organ donation can make. His achievements show how transplantation enables people to lead active, fulfilling lives and realise their full potential. We hope people of all ages will come along for what promises to be a fantastic community evening, with music and entertainment, a bouncy castle, hair braiding, face painting, football activities and a raffle with some fantastic prizes. By supporting the event, they’ll be helping two very worthwhile causes while raising awareness of the importance of organ donation.”
Sandra Flynn Donnelly
Admission is free. Those attending will have the opportunity to make a voluntary donation, with proceeds going to the Kerry Branch of the Irish Kidney Association.
Raffle tickets, with some fantastic prizes on offer, will be available to purchase both in advance and on the night.
Throughout the evening, the Kerry Branch of the Irish Kidney Association will host an information stand where visitors can learn more about organ donation and the Association’s services and supports for kidney patients and their families.
Anyone who is unable to attend but would still like to support Jessica and Amber’s inspiring fundraiser can make a donation through the online iDonate fundraising page: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/jessicadonnelly11.
