Hairdressers in fundraising drive for much-missed Bronagh

24 August 2016

A MUCH loved colleague is being remembered in a major fundraising drive by Carryduff based Keith Kane hairdressers.

Every two years the team goes on a sponsored walk for a local cancer charity, and this year it will be particularly poignant as they raise money in memory of their friend Bronagh O’Hare.

Bronagh, from Drumaness, sadly passed away in June last year after developing a brain tumour.

She was just 40 years old and recently married when she died.

Keith Kane, the man behind the award-winning salon, spoke fondly of Bronagh’s larger than life personality and a friendship which developed over the years. Remembering their previous charity walks together, he said Bronagh was always at his side cracking jokes and begging him to slow down.

“This time she will be watching us from above, laughing at our antics and delighted that we are the ones with blisters on our feet,” he said.

“Bronagh came into our lives when she left school and started her training, which wasn’t always a bed of roses. She and I had plenty of differences of opinion, usually resulting in the scissors being thumped down and the back doors being slammed with the words, ‘I am leaving’. Next morning the head came around the door with a big smirk on her face and the word ‘Wwell’…

“After qualifying Bronagh progressed from being a stylist to becoming my assistant manageress. Always loyal and watching my back both in and out of work.”

Keith said that Bronagh being diagnosed with a stage four brain tumour was “like an earthquake” in the salon.

“We were all so devastated,” he said. “Bronagh said to me, ‘Agh, well I may just get on with it’. She was always so strong and positive, smiling all through the pain.

“We miss her so much. Her sense of humour, and love of hair accessories and the colour orange. We miss her daily, she was an amazing girl.”

Keith’s partner Brian McAllister said he cherished many happy memories of a fun loving Bronagh. He said she was remembered in the salon with an angel ornament and was still a regular topic of conversation.

“Bronagh was with us from when she basically left school, 22 years ago,” said Brian. “She was very, very popular and whenever she was diagnosed it was such a shock. She was only married for six months when she was diagnosed.

“She had so many loyal customers. We have even had a donation of £500 to the fundraiser. So far it is going well and our aim is to raise £5,000.”

Brian said they had decided to fundraise for Brainwaves NI which works with people affected by brain tumours in Northern Ireland, and their families.

“We like to give to cancer charities where they are working with people directly,” he said.

The fundraising walk at Castlewellan Lake will take place on Sunday, October 2. To make a donation visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Keith-Kane4

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