Sixteen-year-old Jenny Thomson from Morebattle, near Kelso, has been given the gift of hair, thanks to the kindness of strangers who donated through a crowdfunding appeal. Jenny, who has been battling alopecia since the age of nine, had long given up hope of having a full head of hair again. Despite trying various treatments, nothing worked long-term, and the cost of a specialized technique called mesh integration seemed out of reach.
The technique, priced at £2,600, was far beyond what Jenny could afford. However, after launching a GoFundMe campaign, she was overwhelmed by the generosity of nearly 300 donors who contributed more than double her original target. In just a few days, over £6,000 was raised—enough not only for the treatment but also to provide Jenny with an incredible emotional lift.
“I can’t believe what has happened and how amazing people have been,” Jenny told BBC Scotland News. “After seven years, I’m going to have hair again, and I’ll be able to go to the ball with my friends, just like them—with my hair done.”
Jenny initially set a modest goal of £800, but the outpouring of support from the local Kelso community and beyond far surpassed her expectations. She’s now booked for her treatment, a technique that integrates a mesh material onto her head. Her natural hair is finely braided into the mesh, and extensions are added to give her the appearance of a full head of hair.
“It’s hard to believe that by the end of next week, I’ll have a full head of hair and be me again,” Jenny said. Although the mesh is a temporary solution, lasting about two years, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for Jenny as she prepares for important life events, including her school ball.
The anticipation has left Jenny both excited and nervous. “It feels like the end of a very long seven years, and I’m just so excited to see what it looks like. I’ve got a ball in November, and I’m finally going to have hair for it, which is mad to think about.”
Jenny’s journey with alopecia has been difficult, especially as a young girl growing up. Hair loss has impacted her confidence, especially as she witnessed other teenage girls styling their hair and getting dressed up. “It’s been tough,” she admitted.
The crowdfunding effort was something Jenny decided to do on her own, even keeping it a secret from her parents. “I wasn’t sure how they would take it,” she said.
Her mother, Morag, couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s determination. “She has coped with a lot, and for her to do this off her own back is just her—very determined,” Morag said. “We can’t thank people enough for what they have done for us. It’s hard to take in.”
The community’s kindness has not only given Jenny a new lease on life but has also brought attention to the struggles faced by individuals with alopecia, highlighting the power of generosity and compassion.
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