Mayo boy donates 12 inches of hair for Big Brave Cut
Jamie Burke with his schoolfriends Conall and Lochlan before stepping into the chair at Ann Gallagher Salon.
Ten-year-old Jamie Burke from Ballina has taken part in The Big Brave Cut, a fundraising initiative supporting Sunflower Children's Hospice, donating an impressive 12 inches of hair after more than two years of growing it out.
Jamie Burke, who attends Behy National School, stepped into the chair at Ann Gallagher Salon in Ballina, where his aunt Ann took on hairdressing duties for the occasion. The 12 inches of hair Jamie donated will go to the Little Princess Trust, which provides free real hair wigs to children and young people experiencing hair loss.
Jamie has raised over €2,000 so far for two worthy causes, creating a wig for a child in need, and raising vital funds for children and families who will benefit from the Sunflower Children's Hospice.
Jamie was supported on the day by his mum, Louise; his granny, Bernie Thompson of Ballina; his aunts Carol, Shirley and Ann; his cousin and godfather, David; his football coach, John Judge of Conn Rangers; and school friends Conall and Lochlan.
All funds raised through The Big Brave Cut go directly to the Sunflower Children's Hospice, which will be Ireland's first children's hospice outside of Dublin, providing specialist palliative and respite care for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families across the West of Ireland. The overall project is estimated to cost between €12m and €14m. Alongside clinical care, the hospice will provide vital emotional, practical and bereavement support for families. Construction is expected to commence in late 2026.
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said:
"Jamie is a wonderful example of the kindness and courage so many young people across Mayo are showing through The Big Brave Cut. Growing his hair for two years and then donating it to help create a wig for another child shows a real generosity of spirit, and raising over €2,000 for the Sunflower Children's Hospice on top of that is a fantastic achievement. We are so grateful to Jamie, his family and friends, and to everyone who has supported him along the way."
