A Dundalk woman who is currently undergoing cancer treatment has raised nearly €3,000 for Cara Cancer Support Centre.
Eileen Clarke from Avondale Park, off the Avenue Road, presented a cheque to the local charity based at 7 Williamson Place.
“I couldn’t believe it that the head shave raised so much. Initially, I was going to try and raise €200 and then I settled on €500,” said Eileen.
“I can’t believe it. People are so generous and so good and it’s such a worthy cause. Cara Cancer Support Centre offers a range of therapies to people in the area who have been diagnosed with cancer.
“There are one-to-one therapies, counselling, reflexology, Indian head massage, spiritual healing, group therapies such as Tai Chi, yoga, arts and crafts, knitting and crochet.”
Eileen added: “People can also pop in for a cup of tea and a chat to talk to other people who have been through or are going through the same thing.
“It’s all run by volunteers and the money raised for the centre is all spent locally helping people from the area.
“I did the head shave in early January. Gerard Hoey from The Edge did the shave and he was very caring and professional.”
She continued: “I also got some great advice from Sinead Mallon from Becoming Hair, Scalp and Wig Therapy.
“My daughter, Ciara, set up the GoFundMe.com fundraiser and I got a lot of support from family and friends.
“I was diagnosed in 2015 with bowel cancer and had surgery. I was subsequently diagnosed with lymphoma and I’m currently going through treatment.”
Eileen concluded: “I’ve only started. I’ve done one round of chemotherapy. They do a CT scan after four rounds so I’m hoping to finish then but it can go up to six rounds.
“I shaved my head to give something back to the charity, which opened in 2014. They have been a great support and all of the volunteers are lovely.
“It’s good to be able to chat to people who understand what you are going through.”
Cara Cancer Support Centre is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm.
