Jill Mahon and her nine-year old daughter Amber are cutting their hair in aid of two causes that are close to their hearts.

On Friday, April 28, the mother and daughter team from Kesh will have their long hair cut short, to be donated to The Little Princess Trust to create wigs for children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.

Alongside donating their hair, Jill and Amber are raising money for the Free Presbyterian Church (FPC) mission board in order to support the Carscadden family as they leave home to take up missionary work in Uganda.

Jill, who is a secondary school teacher at Devenish College in Enniskillen, has previously had her hair cut for charity as part of ‘The Big Hair Chop’, which she and her husband, David, organised and that took place on April 28, 2017 at the Killyhevlin Hotel. Along with 15 others, Jill’s hair was cut and they collectively raised almost £23,000.

Having previously raised money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Little Princess Trust in memory of her late father, Cecil Warrington, from Tempo, Jill said: “My father was an incredible man and I’m proud to have called him daddy.#

“As a Christian, he lived his life as an example, and I learnt so much from him. I continue to do things for others in his memory.

“As he passed away with cancer over 20 years ago, I have fundraised for cancer charities, but feel it’s time to do something for God’s work,” she added, explaining why she has chosen to fundraise in support of the Carscadden family’s missionary work through the upcoming hair cut on April 28 – exactly six years since the original ‘The Big Hair Chop’.

Jill has known the Carscadden family for many years as they attended the same church in Kesh before Ray was called to be a minister, and they moved to a church in Co. Monaghan.

This June, the Carscaddens – Ray, Rhonda, John (12), George (7) and Isla-Grace (3) – will move to Uganda to serve as missionaries.

“Rhonda and Ray are taking a big step of faith moving their young family to Uganda. Amber and myself are delighted to help them in this small way,” said Jill, adding: “If you are not able to contribute financially, I’m sure Rhonda and Ray will appreciate your prayers.”

The Carscaddens will be based three hours south of the capital city Kampala, where they will be working at Emmanuel Christian school and church.

The school has approximately 500 children and the church is an active church evangelising the local community, through door to door work, children’s work, open air and weekly prison ministry.

Grateful for Jill and Amber’s support for her family as they embark on their mission work, Rhonda said: “It means so much, especially [from] little Amber, because I know she just loves having her long hair. She’s only in P5, and it’s such a big sacrifice for her to do.

“It’s just so lovely that they are praying for us, and that they are finding ways that they can support us so that we can be out there [in Uganda], and we can help the children and people over there, and to spread the Gospel to them as well.

“It’s just so heartwarming to know that there are people here who are working for us and praying for us at home.”

To donate to the cause, visit Jill and Amber’s JustGiving fundraising page at https://tinyurl.com/mrxekmxa.