ONE of Ireland's richest men has dug deep to help a Co Derry teenager raise more than £12,000 for cancer research.
Beef baron Larry Goodman was so touched by Naoishe Devlin's fundraising effort he promised to match whatever she raised.
The 17-year-old decided to chop off her long locks after a relative was diagnosed with cancer last year and so far the A-level student at St Pius X in Magherafelt has managed to amass an impressive £12,568.
The teenager was prompted to raise cash for Pancreatic Cancer UK by the death of a former school friend and when the disease recently touched her own family.
"This girl and I grew up together in Ballyronan and were in the same class at primary school," she said.
"Her family moved away some years ago but we kept in touch and her death hit me very hard.
"So when my close relation was diagnosed with cancer last year, I thought it would be great to do something not only to help fund research for his benefit but as attribute to my friend at the same time."
After hearing about Naoishe's efforts Mr Goodman, through his company APB Food Group, made a £5,000 donation.
"It was an absolutely fantastic donation and it helped bring the tally to well over £10,000 by Christmas," beamed Naoishe.
Naoishe will continue fundraising until February 29. To make a donation visit her Facebook page or see fundraise.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraisers/naoishedevlin/Crew-Cut-Cancer-Challenge.
