PHOTOS: Sharon’s Headshave In Memory Of Son Seán Helps Open Arms Kerry

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Daniel Mulligan shaving Sharon Roche’s hair off at Pearse Park on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

A TRALEE woman joked that she was feeling “light-headed” on Friday evening after she had her head shaved as a fundraiser for Open Arms Kerry.

Sharon Roche wanted to do something special in memory of her son Seán, who died by suicide ten years ago and set up a gofundme page (which can be accessed by clicking here) for the headshave.

“I decided I needed to do something about two months ago. I knew it was coming up to Seán’s 10th anniversary. Seán was one of the founding members of the Open Arms Project, so I wanted to raise money for Open Arms Kerry,” she said.

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On Friday evening, to coincide with the annual vigil in Pearse Park organised by Open Arms Kerry to mark World Suicide Day, Sharon sat in a chair while barber Daniel Mulligan got out his shears to shave the locks.

“I’m feeling emotional,” said Sharon after losing her hair, “but I’m glad I did it”. Sharon was joined by her sons Joshua and James and mom Philomena who gave her great support.

She did it…Sharon Roche with son Joshua, mom Philomena Duggan and son James at Pearse Park on Friday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean

She also received great support from people attending the vigil. She did an amazing job on the fundraising side too and over €2,300 had been realised by Saturday morning.

The funds raised will enable the Open Arms Kerry (OAK) organisation to continue to help set up much needed interventions and advice in Kerry. They have assisted many people since their inception with very limited funds. It’s volunteer run and any funds are welcome.

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Ger Collins of the Open Arms Project thanked Sharon for her gesture and for her efforts in raising  suicide awareness over the years. He said for a woman to shave her head was brave and a huge personal sacrifice.

The annual vigil in Pearse Park was started 10 years ago and Ger said Tralee had seen many deaths by suicide over the years. He said the vigil was an occasion for everyone to remember family members and friends who have died over the years.

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