Deirdre to lose her locks for cousin’s pioneer treatment

Deirdre to lose her locks for cousin’s pioneer treatment

23 November 2016

IT may be getting cold outside, but Downpatrick woman Deirdre Ritchie has made the brave decision to shave her head in aid of a charity.

Deirdre will be losing her shoulder-length locks in a charity event in Brendan’s Bar on Saturday night for her cousin, Nicola Feenan.

It is one of several fundraising events in aid of 35 year-old Nicola, who was diagnosed with MS nine years ago and is now wheelchair bound with agonising back pain.

Having read news reports about the life-changing impact of HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) on fellow MS sufferers, the mother of two has added her name to a 12-month waiting list for the gruelling regime of chemotherapy and stem cell treatment.

Because she does not qualify for HSCT in the UK, she needs to raise £50,000 over the next year to fund the treatment in a specialist Mexican clinic.

Deirdre said she wanted to do something different to help her cousin raise the money for Mexico.

“I do not suit my hair short,” she said. “But I’ll not be wearing a wig, I’ll be wearing a couple of hats donated to me.

“It is getting colder.”

Deirdre added: “I’ve never done anything like this before. But it would be amazing if the treatment worked and Nicola could walk off the plane. Her young daughter has never seen her walking.

“She is starting to realise there is hope for her for the first time.”

Deirdre thanked everyone who had so far helped to raise money for Nicola’s trip.

“They are such a lovely family,” she said. “To all my family and friends I say come and support me. This is for a great cause.”

Events kick off at Brendan’s Bar in Downpatrick on Saturday from 9pm with an 80s/90s disco and Deirdre’s charity head shave. There will also be a prize auction. Donations can also be made via: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpnicolabeatms