A young woman is doing a charity head shave for Beaumont Hospital as she prepares for a life-changing brain surgery for epilepsy.
Natalia Marchlewska and her partner James Britton are both braving the shave at Anne O’Gorman’s hair salon in Ballybofey next Saturday 17th August.
The afternoon of ‘good vibes only’ is inspired by Natalia’s difficult journey with epilepsy for almost a decade.
Aged 28, Natalia has lived with epilepsy since 2015. She was in her first year of college in Maynooth when the condition turned her life upside down.
“Epilepsy impacts every aspect of my life in ways you may not even think about. There are days where I can’t even make myself a cup of tea without the fear of a seizure,” she said.
Natalia lived in Ballybofey before moving to Dublin after college and has been working for a pharmaceutical company in the city since then.
Despite her epilepsy, Natalia maintains a positive outlook.
“Seizures can happen at any moment, causing me to live life with constant fear. Despite that, I try to stay positive and hopeful that I can someday make that cup of tea without having to worry about seizures!” she said.
Natalia visits her mum and brother at home in Ballybofey often and is excited to return to the ‘world’s greatest hair salon’, Hair by Anne O’Gorman, for her charity challenge on Saturday 17th August.
Natalia’s partner of nine years, James, who has family from Donegal, is also volunteering for a close shave as a show of support.
The fundraiser at the salon in College Court is being very well supported by the local community with fun activities and entertainment planned. Starting at 12 noon, there will be a Guinness trailer, tea, coffee, refreshments, and amazing home bakes and treats. Ice cream will be available for the kids, and there will be live music from Sinead Black, Rodney and Claire Deery, and Christopher Gamble.
“I’m very overwhelmed with the support from the whole community and everyone who has donated prizes to the raffle that Anne has organised – she’s an absolute angel and I can’t thank her enough,” Natalia said.
Natalia Marchlewska and James Britton
Natalia has attended Beaumont several times in her search for treatment. The head shave aims to help further improve the hospital’s services and patient care in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Departments.
“Some of you probably don’t know, less than 50% of adults with epilepsy respond to medication, and unfortunately I am not one of that lucky number,” she said.
“After trying lots of different treatments it has finally come to a point where brain surgery is my only chance at having a seizure free life.”
Natalia and James have already raised over €4,000 for the hospital ahead of their fundraising day.
Anne O’Gorman has been a staunch supporter of her client Natalia for years.
“We have always loved having her in salon. She has in the past modelled for us,” Anne says.
Natalia….Hair by Anne O Gorman – Shark Design Photography
Anne adds: “A beautiful young lady with a personality to match, quite shy and unassuming. I personally wanted to support Natalie and feel very strongly in admiring her bravery and selflessness, whilst going through this in her life, that she wants to help those that are helping her.
“We are a small salon in a small town and this is one way in which we can try to make a difference.
“When we feel loved and supported the energy knows no bounds. We are so so grateful to all businesses locally that have given so generously to our day, including the local musicians for their time and talent.”
Raffle prizes generously donated so far:
- Tooth whitening – Dr. Bonner Ready Steady Smiles
- €200 Hamper- Mc Elhinney Stores
- Trailer load of firewood – Windy Pine Tree Services
- Family Photoshoot – Shark Design Photography
- Afternoon Tea – Central Hotel Donegal Town
- Painting – Veronica Maguire – Artist
- €100 voucher – Advanced Timber Frame
- €100 voucher – Mc Elhinneys Stores
- €100 voucher – Finn Valley Sports Recovery
- €100 voucher – Sports Therapy Donegal
- One month’s membership to MVMT Fitness Gym
- 2x voucher – Berny & Co
- €50 voucher fuel – Gallaghers Garage Ballybofey
- 2x Yearly subscription – Finn Valley Voice
- Luxury Hair Hamper – Anne O’Gorman
- Nail Voucher – Amber Taylor Nail Artistry
Natalia has also expressed her thanks to Sharon Gleeson Iyengar Yoga who raised over €1,000 through a fundraiser in Dublin.
There will be something for everyone to enjoy on the 17th August as the community cheers on the courageous couple. Come along for an afternoon of fun and support Natalia on her journey to a new future. If you would like to donate online, please visit: https://beaumontfundraising.enthuse.com/pf/natalia-marchlewska
