A doting Tayside ten-year-old is to have her hair shaved to raise funds for the specialist charity which has helped her baby sister throughout her young life.
At the end of this month, 10-year-old Dundee youngster Emma Traynor will have her long locks chopped to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) as a way of thanking the organisation for their support of 18-month-old sibling, Lily.
Emma took inspiration for her charity effort from her favourite television show, Stranger Things, in which British actress Millie Bobby Brown’s character is clean-shaven.
Her mum, Samantha, was told at her 12-week scan that Lily had spina bifida, a neural tube defect caused when the spinal cord does not properly develop.
The Dryburgh family approached the charity for advice and at 20 weeks, it was also discovered Lily had hydrocephalus.
Samantha said: “When we found out about Lily’s conditions, it was really scary.
“I had never heard of spina bifida before, so I had to do lots of research and that’s when I came across SBH Scotland.
“They helped me understand what spina bifida was and what it meant for my little girl. Ever since then, the team at SBH Scotland have been a part of our lives.”
She added: “Every couple of months, we’ll get a visit from one of the support team, who will check on how Lily is doing. Since the pandemic, we keep in touch with others in our area via social media, which is really nice.”
“Emma’s hair is really thick and long, so it will definitely be a change for her.
“I’m really proud of her for wanting to do this for her little sister. Lily’s brothers and sisters love her so much, and want to help in any way they can.”
SBH Scotland raises around £1million annually for its work with families across the country but, in common with other charities, has seen the coronavirus crisis dramatically affect its income.
It expects to lose 50% of its income due to a drop in donations as a result of the pandemic.
Fundraising director Deborah Roe said: “Emma is a very brave little girl and I’d like to say a big thank you for her fantastic efforts.
“During these unprecedented times, vulnerable members of society have become even more vulnerable, and look to charities for support.
The head shave will take place on June 30 and donations can be made through a crowdfunder page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/samantha-traynor2
