Tullamore girl raises over €3,800 for local cancer support charity

A young Offaly girl's fundraising initiative has raised close to €4,000 for a local cancer support charity.

Tullamore native Emma Colton donated the €3,850 which she raised to Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group, which was both touched and delighted by her gesture.

Emma, aged 12, recently lost her beloved uncle Matt, with whom she shared a very special bond. She wanted to do something positive and meaningful in his memory, to help other families facing a cancer diagnosis.

So she began a fundraiser which included donating 14-inches of her hair to the Rapunzel Foundation, which creates wigs for children who have lost hair due to illness.

Her philanthropic move raised over €3,800, which was donated to Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group.

Dóchas Offaly provides vital psychosocial support services for people living with and beyond cancer, as well as for their families and loved ones across Offaly and the wider Midlands region.

The charity offers counselling, physiotherapy, complementary therapies, rehabilitation and survivorship programmes and practical support in a safe, welcoming and confidential environment, in line with National Cancer Control Programme best practice guidelines.

Dóchas extended its sincere thanks to Emma, her family, friends and all the people of community who contributed to the campaign.

Acknowledging the remarkable impact, John Conroy, service manager, Dóchas, said: "Emma’s kindness and generosity are truly inspiring. To undertake such a significant challenge at a young age and raise over €3,800 is an incredible achievement.

"We are deeply grateful to Emma and everyone who supported her fundraising campaign. The funds raised will help us continue providing essential support services to individuals and families affected by cancer across the Midlands."