A former foster child is getting her knee-length ‘luscious locks’ cut for the very first time, in aid of two special charities.
Rylie, aged 10, is having her hair cut to raise money for Autism Dogs Charity and will also be donating her hair to The Little Princess Trust, a charity that crafts wigs for children living with hair loss.
She has the full support of her parents, Donna and Alan, who first started caring for Rylie when she was just 13 months old, as part of a parent-and-child fostership. After the placement broke down, the couple adopted Rylie when she was 18-months old.
The family continues to foster to help children from the local community, through Flourish Fostering.
Riley’s hair currently flows down to her knees and is in incredible condition. She had previously vowed never to have it cut but last year, decided she wanted a change and decided to use her ‘luscious locks’ to help a child in need.
Rylie also has ambitions to become a vet when she’s older, which shaped her decision to raise money for Autism Dogs, a charity that Flourish Fostering also supports.
Donna, Rylie’s mum, said: “We are so proud of Rylie, she is such a beautiful soul – this entire fundraiser has been her idea and it’s incredible to see how dedicated she is to raising much needed funds for these incredible charities.
“Ever since she came into our lives, she’s been the most caring and thoughtful young girl and she shows more empathy than anyone I’ve ever met. We’ll be sad to see her luscious locks go, but we’re so happy they’ll be put to good use and hope she can raise some much needed funds at the same time.”
The big event will take place on 12th July and those who want to donate to Rylie’s cause can do so here: https://gofund.me/46c7b9c9
Kath Hamblett, Registered Manager for Flourish Fostering North, said: “Rylie’s story is a shining example of the compassion and generosity that we strive to cultivate within the Flourish Fostering community. Her selfless act of kindness not only highlights the incredible impact that one young person can have but also serves as an inspiration to us all. We are incredibly proud to support Rylie and her family, and we hope her efforts will encourage others to consider the transformative power of fostering.”
Donna and Alan have been together for nearly 30 years and have now been fostering with Flourish Fostering for the past year. They currently have three foster children, a 15-year-old girl and two brothers aged six and four years, and are both studying towards a diploma in therapeutic fostering.
Flourish Fostering is dedicated to providing safe, nurturing homes and therapeutic support for children who need it and is encouraging people in the North of England to consider a career in foster care.
For more information on fostering, or if you feel you could provide a loving home for a child or young person, please visit Flourish Fostering’s website at https://flourishfostering.co.uk/contact/.
