Choose Rian’s new ‘crazy’ hair colour and raise funds for Foyle Hospice

Rian Temple, from Galliagh, has pledged to dye his ginger locks either red, purple or blue this Sunday and anyone who donates to the challenge gets to vote for what colour is chosen.

The 12-year-old knows of the immense importance of the hospice and the importance of fundraising as his mother, Ailbhe, is its Community Fundraising Officer.

She told the ‘Journal’ how he has undertaken a number of fundraisers over the years and came up with the idea for the latest one by himself.

“He was listening to me for weeks talking about ideas for raising money, as this has become more difficult with the lockdown,” Ailbhe said.

“The hospice is a big part of our family and he sees how vital it is in the community. Obviously there aren’t any hairdressers open and his hair has been getting longer and longer. I kept asking him if I could shave it, but he wouldn’t let me. He asked if he could dye it instead and raise money in the process. He also agreed that if we got to £1000, I could shave it!

“I’m very proud of him. He has been very much involved with the hospice all his life. He sees how all our big fundraisers have had to be cancelled and knows the importance of fundraising to our services. Every organisation has been hit hard by the lockdown, which has had a big impact on fundraising and I think he just wanted to do all he could to help.”

Rian’s hair will be dyed either red, purple or blue, with the colour blue just slightly in front at the minute. And he won’t be alone in his endeavour, as his cousin Eoghan Canavan has also decided to get involved and will also change the colour of his locks.

They are both very grateful for the support so far.

The hair dye will take place this Sunday, May 31 and the final colour will be decided by those who have donated on Rian’s Just Giving page.

You can donate and choose Rian’s new hair colour on https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/crazyhair4hospice or search Rian’s Crazy Hair Dye for Hospice on Just Giving.

The Foyle Hospice has asked people to ‘Join With Us’ in May and a number of online events are taking place.

They include live dance and exercise classes, which were held earlier this week. Today, Friday at noon, there will be a live drawing class with Mick O’Toonz Animation - see Mick O’Toonz on Facebook and a live quiz on Saturday at 5pm.

You can follow all the online events and find out more about the Foyle Hospice on their Facebook page.