Two kind-hearted local ladies have recently had their long locks lopped so they could donate hair to a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses.
The off-cuts, which need to be at least 17cm (7 inches) long in order to be useful for wig-making, have been sent to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which supplies wigs to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment, or have conditions which lead to hair loss, such as alopecia.
Amy Yeates, who works as a sales assistant and designer at North Bristol Plumbing in Almondsbury, invited colleagues, suppliers and customers to place bids for the privilege of cutting her hair, with the top 12 bidders each winning the chance to cut off one tied-up length.
The money raised has also gone to the charity, where it will help purchase wigs made of special hair types that need to be bought-in for some of the beneficiaries.
Explaining her reasons for donating some of her hair, Amy said:
“I appreciate how important it is for these children to maintain their self-esteem. I’m just doing my bit – it’s not costing me anything!”
Wendy Donaldson, a mum of two from Bradley Stoke and owner of The Bespoke Cakery, a local cake making business, is another lady who has recently donated hair to the Little Princess Trust.
“I was inspired by a friend who donated hair last year and I am also lucky to have thick hair – this has been passed down to my daughter too, who at three-and-a-half has hair as long as mine! I love the idea of the charity and they are always in need of hair donations. If they have to buy a wig, it costs them £350,” explained Wendy.
The Shine hair salon at Bradley Pavilions agreed to cut her hair and Wendy says their support has been amazing.
“They put up posters, had a collection box on their reception desk and informed their customers about the event.”
“They kindly cut my hair for free, as a donation to the event, and special thanks must go to Ellis, who did the deed and took her time over making my new style look fabulous and just what I wanted.”
Wendy says she has so far raised £538 for the charity, with more still to come in. Her fundraising page can be found at: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/wendyshairchop
Photos (l-r): Amy Yeates has a bunch of hair chopped by a customer. Wendy Donaldson holds plaits of her hair that will go to make a wig.
Photo: Bunches of Amy’s hair ready to be sent off to be made into a child’s wig by the Little Princess Trust.
This article originally appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
Wendy Donaldson reports that “the final total raised was an amazing £675.21”.
Outstanding, well done to all.