“She has blown us away with how well she has been coping” - Inspirational Bonnie wins national award for raising awarness of alopecia

A girl from Halifax has won an award for helping to raise awareness of alopecia.
By Tom Scargill
Published 17th Sep 2020, 09:03 BST
Bonnie Pullan, from Skircoat Green, Halifax, who has alopecia and has won an award for raising awareness of the conditionBonnie Pullan, from Skircoat Green, Halifax, who has alopecia and has won an award for raising awareness of the condition
Bonnie Pullan, from Skircoat Green, Halifax, who has alopecia and has won an award for raising awareness of the condition

Bonnie Pullan, aged eight, has been crowned the first winner of The Hannah Dennis Alopecia Awareness Award by Alopecia UK.

Bonnie gave a powerpoint presentation in an assembly at her school about alopecia to help them understand the condition.

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She also took part in Alopecia UK’s 2.6 Challenge and raised lots of awareness and funds with her 26 Olympic-style challenge event.

Wendy Pullan and daughter Bonnie, from Skircoat Green, Halifax, who has alopecia and has won an award for raising awareness of the conditionWendy Pullan and daughter Bonnie, from Skircoat Green, Halifax, who has alopecia and has won an award for raising awareness of the condition
Wendy Pullan and daughter Bonnie, from Skircoat Green, Halifax, who has alopecia and has won an award for raising awareness of the condition

Bonnie made a video for Alopecia UK which they used to get other people involved in the campaign too, and raised more than £1,200.

“I didn’t know what the award was at first,” said Bonnie, who lives in Skircoat Green and attends All Saints School.

“My mum didn’t tell me she had nominated me. I can’t believe I’ve won. I am very happy.”

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Bonnie is one of Alopecia UK’s Birthday Champions for September, which will see her do 15 different challenges.

“The things I have thought of so far include washing 15 cars, a bake sale, walking 1.5 miles and wearing my blue T-shirt at school,” she said.

“I’m hoping to get my whole class, or maybe even school, to wear blue to raise awareness too. I’m looking forward to my challenges.”

Bonnie says not having to wash her hair is the best thing about having alopecia.

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“It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, it only matters who you are on the inside,” she said. “Be brave and kind.”

Bonnie’s mum Wendy said: “As parents we were beyond proud and it’s nice to Bonnie’s efforts recognised.

“She really put herself out there by raising awareness in school as she did and she put a lot of effort into raising awareness and funds as part of the 2.6 Challenge.

“She’s only eight but takes everything in her stride. She has blown us away with how well she has been coping with alopecia, particularly given her young age.

“Seeing her helping others is inspiring.”

To donate to Bonnie’s fundraising efforts, visit https://www.alopecia.org.uk/fundraisers/bonnies-fundraising-page-for-alopecia-uk.

Related topics:Halifax

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