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By Michelle Crean

It was a hair raising experience - but one she's proud to have accomplished, as local woman Laura Whelton raised almost €5,000 for charity this week. Tuesday was the day that the 20-year-old from Fossa took the scissors in her hands and chopped off her long red hair.

Then it was the turn of her mom Fiona, brother Dara, her girlfriend Grace O'Sullivan, and cousin Beth Coffey who all helped Laura to shave it off all in aid of raising awareness and funds for the Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (KRSAC).

Laura, who featured in last week's Killarney Advertiser ahead of her fundraiser, wanted to start a conversation surrounding the issue of women being harmed through abuse or violence. And by undergoing such a drastic change feels that she has accomplished it.

"It was very liberating," Laura told the Killarney Advertiser.

"I felt fine but there were a few tears from mom. I will miss the hair but I feel lighter. I'm just so thankful that I could do it."

She explained as her hair was so long she cut the length off herself and had help with the shave.

"I felt ready for it," she added. "It's going to help so many people."

For every €100 raised by Laura, KRSAC will be able to provide three crisis counselling sessions for survivors of sexual violence.

"I'd really like to thank everyone for the donations and for starting the conversation. Hopefully we can keep it going."