Sonia was funny and loved spending time with her family

A TALLAGHT salon will be holding a fundraiser for Women’s Aid on Sunday, May 12, in memory of the salon owner’s sister, Sonia Blount, who was murdered in the Plaza by her ex-boyfriend in 2014.

Claire Reddin runs Angel Hair and Beauty on the Old Bawn Road where the event will be on from 10am to 3pm, in tribute to her late sister, who was from Ballycragh and was 30 when she died.

“Sonia was just a normal 30-year-old,” Claire told The Echo. “She was funny, she loved going out with her friends, and she loved spending time with her family.”

The circumstances surrounding Sonia’s death brought into sharp focus the scourge of domestic violence against women, and Claire said her salon has become something of a safe space for clients.

“I’ve done a few charity things with Women’s Aid because of what happened to Sonia,” said Claire.

“And in the salon, we hear so many stories from the women who come in who are in relationships where they feel trapped or they’re not safe, so Women’s Aid is something we always talk about.

“Women can come into the salon and get away from what’s going on at home, and they do come in, speak to the staff and tell them lots of things.”

The fundraiser will serve a dual purpose of both raising funds for Women’s Aid and raising awareness of support for people experiencing domestic violence.

The event, which will see the salon staff carry out blow-dries or shellac nail treatments for a suggested minimum donation of €15 either in cash or via Revolut, has already received a strong response.

“We’ve done fundraisers in the salon before, for the Irish Cancer Society and NINA for Life, but this seems to have gotten the biggest reaction,” said Claire.

“Whether that’s because Sonia was a local girl, so a lot of people knew her, or because there have been so many cases in the last few years of women being murdered by men, it touches people.”

Claire was initially unsure about associating Sonia with the fundraiser, as her family have dealt with their grief privately.

“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to, because as a family we’re quite private and don’t speak publicly about it, so I wasn’t sure,” she added.

“But I thought, you know what, this is the reason why I want to help Women’s Aid.”

The day will also feature a raffle, and local businesses can contact the salon on 01 414 6726 if they would like to donate prizes, and appointments for treatments will be on a walk-in basis only.

When asked what her sister would think of the fundraiser, Claire said: “I don’t know how Sonia would feel about it, but I think she’d be proud.”

Donations can be made in the salon on the day or online at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Clai reBlount554.

If you have been affected by the issues raised, call Women’s Aid’s free 24-hour helpline on 1800 341 900 or visit HERE.