A sixth-class teacher in Co Meath has had his hair shaved by his own students, after they helped raise thousands of euro for their classmate's cancer treatment.
The pupils of St Mary's Convent Primary School in Trim decided to do a charity head shave after their teacher - Mr Kevin Higgins - grew his hair long during lockdown.
Their classmate - 12-year-old Muireann Casey - recently had specialist treatment in Germany for a rare form of cancer.
The treatment was made possible by the Gavin Glynn Foundation, which helps families fighting cancer in Ireland travel overseas for treatment.
Staff and students have been raising funds to 'give something back' to the foundation after they helped Muireann.
For The Pat Kenny Show, Henry McKean travelled to the school and spoke to staff and students on the day of the big shave.
One of the pupils explained: “My teacher Mr Higgins said he was going to shave his head when he hit that undisclosed target - and we have hit that target.”
Another added: “Now we have revenge for all the extra homework."
Meet Mr Kevin Higgins as his 6th Class St Mary’s Trim cut his lockdown locks to raise money for the Gavin Glynn Foundation, who supports their classmate Muireann. @TEAMGAVINGLYNN helps families travel overseas for cancer treatment. @PatKennyNT @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/0Zodjkii6G
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) June 29, 2021
Mr Higgins said every penny raised is going to a good cause, while the head shave itself was something for the class to look forward to.
He said: “The girls [in the class] are after having a tough two years - they’ve had nothing to look forward to, and no school tours. Today is a good day to get out, and raise a few quid at the same time.”
Enda Casey, Muireann's father, said teachers, staff and students at the school had helped raise €14,000 for the Gavin Glynn Foundation.
He explained: “One thing we did learn about the Gavin Glynn Foundation is it’s a hard cash business… prices for taxis, flights, apartments, living expenses, and COVID testing in these days as well. [They] took care of us 100%.
“Muireann’s class are giving back on our behalf, as others have done before - as have my work colleagues.”
11 months after her initial diagnosis, Enda said Muireann is “doing great”.
Speaking about the head shave, Muireann said: “I think it was a really, really nice thing to do.
"All the money goes towards another kid, [to help make them] get better."
