Caring Penkhull schoolgirl has hair cut to support cancer sufferers

KIND-HEARTED schoolgirl Holly Edwards had 14 inches snipped off the length of her hair to support cancer sufferers.

The inspirational six-year-old's blonde locks will now be donated to a charity which creates wigs for children receiving chemotherapy.

And she also raised £837 in sponsorship for the Fresh Hair salon at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, which provides wigs for patients suffering hair loss.

The Willows Primary School pupil, of The Croft, Penkhull, said: "I was really excited about having my hair cut because I was getting fed up of it being so long and having it brushed.

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"I think it will help other people who do not have hair."

Holly's waste-length hair was given a 'bob' style by family hairdresser Becky Kirk at Hair Today, in Newcastle Lane, yesterday.

She then packaged up over half her hair to send off to the Little Princess Trust.

She was inspired to raise money for the University Hospital at the same time because her father Craig works there as a medical physicist in the radiotherapy department.

Craig, aged 40, said: "With working there you see quite a lot of patients who use the wig salon and the difference that they make is phenomenal.

"It is a great source of mental strength and they have a lot more confidence.

"Cancer is a very difficult illness and I think the service the wig salon provides is inspirational.

"Being born and brought up in Stoke-on-Trent we thought it was a good idea to help both a local charity as well as a national one."

Holly was helped in her fund-raising mission by staff and classmates at her school.

Teacher Amanda Ball said she was incredibly proud of her pupil, adding: "Holly has spoken to the class and other classes about what she is doing and they have all been really interested and excited. "It is just a fantastic thing to do but it is very typical of Holly's personality anyway as she is a very thoughtful and brave young girl."

Holly, who had only ever had her hair trimmed, has been growing it for over seven years.

But the youngster seemed unfazed as she donated her locks for a real hair wig.

According to the trust, 120g of hair is required to manufacture just one wig, costing £350. It can take between five to 10 hair donations to make a single hairpiece. Steve Rushton, spokesman for the UHNS charity, said: "This is a really unique donation from someone so young and I think it is inspirational. It shows how thoughtful young people can be and it is really brave of her because young girls are very attached to their hair. We rely heavily on these kind of donations and we are grateful for every pound we get."

To sponsor Holly, visit www.justgiving.com/HollyHairCut.