Billy braves the shave to help Sophie’s charity drive

Billy braves the shave to help Sophie’s charity drive

5 February 2020

A LOCAL politician who had his head shaved to help a Ballynahinch schoolgirl’s fundraising initiative on behalf of the Guide Dogs for the Blind 

Association has raised £1,670.

Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, had his locks shaved off last Saturday by 14 year-old Sophie Mills who is a student at Ballynahinch High School.

She has been diagnosed with Albinism — which affects her eyesight — and is currently on the waiting list for a guide dog. 

Sophie has previously been cane trained by representatives from the charity and is hoping that she can get a guide dog soon as in dull or very bright lighting conditions she finds it hard to see. 

Over the past two years, the teenager has completely lost her sight six times and had no vision for the first six months of her life.

Sophie, who was a little nervous when she started shaving the local politician’s head, soon got the hang of it and performed like a pro, leaving the DUP man reaching for his wooly hat as he headed home.

Given that it costs £50,000 to train a guide dog, Sophie is determined to do all that she can to help both herself and others. She said that if she had a guide dog of her own, it would give her so much confidence and is delighted with Cllr Walker’s support.

“It was my privilege to help Sophie,” said the politician. “I was only too pleased to support her fundraiser and wish to thank everyone who made a financial contribution to enable me to raise £1,670. I am delighted with the total as is Sophie and her family.

“I understand the issues Sophie faces in relation to her sight and she is not only raising money for her own guide dog, but to help other people also get one which will make such an enormous difference to their lives.”

Cllr Walker said while Sophie was nervous at the start of the head shave she soon gained the confidence to remove his locks, watched by her family and friends.

“She did an excellent job and while I will have to wear my bobble hat for a few weeks to keep out the cold it certainly was worth it. Sophie is an inspiration and a role model for others. Her family and her school can be very proud of her.”

Sophie’s mum Marina has thanked Cllr Walker for his fundraising gesture and everyone who supported him.

“We cannot thank Cllr Walker enough,” she said.

“He approached us to help and the total he has raised is just amazing. There was nothing in this event for him, all he wanted to do was to help Sophie. He is not a family member, but when he heard about my daughter’s fundraiser he came forward to help.

“He is a very kind-hearted man and Sophie and the rest of the family want to say a heartfelt thanks. Cllr Walker gave up his time and organised the fundraiser himself. We are so grateful for all he has done,” added Marina.

Also last weekend, Sophie organised a fundraising event in Ballynahinch Masonic Hall to raise funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.