Would you donate YOUR hair to the Little Princess Trust...?
Well, Roxy Sams – pictured above – just did… And can we start by saying: there’s no need to bleach your hear and have pink hearts swirling through it, if you don’t feel the urge.
Roxy is Jo’s step-granddaughter and recently wowed a family gathering with her new haircut – and most particularly, the cause to which she donated her hair: the Little Princess Trust. After a COVID-related hiatus, this wonderful charity – which creates wigs for children who have lost their hair, generally through chemo treatment – can now accept donations of hair, as well as money. (To make a financial donation, click here.)
Little Princess Trust was founded by Wendy and Simon Tarplee, whose daughter Hannah was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour, in 2004. They searched high and low for a wig suitable for Hannah, to no avail. Sadly, Hannah died in 2004, and as a way of remembering her life, Wendy and Simon set up the Little Princess Trust, which since then has provided real hair wigs for children and young people up to the age of 24. (Sarah covered this wonderful initiative, just after launch.)
The charity sets out the guidelines for the type of hair that they’ll accept, below, commenting: ‘All hair donated to us must be in excellent condition.’
• Our greatest need is for hair donations that are 16" (41cm) or longer
• We encourage all of our growers to keep growing until at least 12" (30cm)
• Clean, dry hair, from any gender and ethnicity (please do not send us wet hair - it will not dry properly and is not usable)
• Great condition (no split ends) and of any natural colour
• Straight, wavy or curly. Curly hair must meet length requirements while measured in its natural curly form.
• Permanently dyed;* bleached/highlighted hair (*if dye is of a natural colour and overall condition of hair is good)
• Ponytail/s cut a maximum of five years ago, if preserved and in good condition.
• We accept hair from within and outside the UK.
And if you know a young person who is in need of one of these wonderful wigs, meanwhile, click here.
Like we say, pink hearts and swirls optional – but if you’re having lots cut off your hair (Roxy’s was almost down to her waist, after 18 months of travelling), can’t think of a better cause.
