Barber proves he’s a cut above by coining in cash for brave boy

An entire day’s proceeds from haircuts at Leo’s Barber Shop, in Cross Arthurlie Street, were donated to Kieran Reilly, who suffers from a rare neurological condition known as alobar holoprosencephaly.

Local boy Kieran is unable to walk or talk and lives with a tracheotomy in situ and a full laryngectomy.

He has seizures which can make him go into respiratory arrest.

Kieran is also fed via a gastrostomy tube through his stomach and has had undergone numerous operations, including having his hips removed.

Barrhead barber Leo with Kieran Reilly

Staff at Leo’s Barber Shop decided to dedicate the cash from their cuts to Kieran and his family, with a total of £309 raised on the day.

A spokesman at the shop said the fundraising drive was all about ‘giving something back’ to a good cause.

“It was a great day and we raised a good amount of money for Kieran,” he added.

Barber shop boss Leo left his home country of Syria as a child and the warm welcome he has received from the Barrhead community since making the town his new home has inspired him to help others.

“I was given a lot of help when I moved to Barrhead, so I want to give back to the community,” said Leo.

“Kieran is a special boy. I cut his hair about once every four weeks and sometimes I go out to his house, as he can’t always get here.

“It was great to see him on the day, getting his hair cut with a smile, as always.”

James Williams donates the cost of a haircut

Alobar holoprosencephaly is a birth abnormality that occurs during the early stages of development in the womb, with the front part of the baby’s brain failing to develop into clearly separate right and left halves.

The cause of the condition is unknown and there is currently no treatment.

It is estimated that alobar holoprosencephaly affects one in 7,500 births.

Visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/alobar-holoprosencephaly-description-in-brief to find out more.

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