A Donegal mum who was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant will brave a head shave in support of children in her community.

Sara McGlinchey (née Nairn) from Ramelton was 34 weeks into her pregnancy with her second child when she learned that she had breast cancer.

Two weeks later, Sara and her husband Dominic welcomed a beautiful baby boy. Born at the end of January at 36 weeks, little Finn has been thriving ever since.

Sara, Dominic, Sofia and baby Finn

Blessed with the safe arrival of her baby, Sara has decided to turn her difficult situation into something positive by doing a fundraising head shave before she begins treatment.

All proceeds will be in aid of Ramelton Community Playgroup, where their daughter Sofia attends. The funds will assist the playgroup’s move to a new premises.

Sara’s campaign is also about raising awareness of self-checking for breast cancer.

Speaking to Donegal Daily, Sara said she noticed a lump one day while checking herself. She had no other symptoms, but decided to go to her GP.

“I’d like to highlight the huge importance of early action and detection, and to stress the need for the introduction of mammograms/scans from a much younger age than the current age of 50,” Sara said.

The past few months have been a whirlwind of uncertainty for the McGlincheys, but they are looking on the bright side in the hope of helping others.

Their campaign is called ‘Learning to Dance in the Rain’, and it’s about finding strength in a challenging situation.

Sara says: “Life can have difficult days, but there are always positives to be found when we look for them; the safe arrival of our baby and the fact that I am fit, generally healthy and determined being huge ones for us right now.

“Also, knowing the children in our community will benefit from this fundraiser is giving a positive focus.”

As for baby Finn, he’s keeping the family pleasantly occupied.

“Our precious boy is doing so well, we are so blessed with the most relaxed little guy,” Sara said.

Sara and Dominic have already raised an amazing €16,000 from almost 400 kind supporters on GoFundMe in the past week.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response, generosity and kindness shown by everyone,” they said.

If you would like to support Sara’s campaign for the Ramelton Community Playgroup, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/being-strong-fighting-on

Cash donations are also very welcome to Ramelton Community Playgroup (Charity Number: 20032692) or any family member.

A date for the head shave will be announced soon.