By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 15:44, Sunday, 27 January 2013

A little girl is giving someone an extra special gift this Christmas by giving her hair the chop for the first time in two years.

Hannah McConville

Hannah McConville, eight, of Brampton, is having her hair cut off next month so it can be used to make wigs for children who have lost their own hair.

She is looking for sponsorship to help with the wigs’ production.

Hannah said: “Every little girl loves to have pretty hair and I think it must be awful if, as well as being unwell, you also lose all your hair.”

She has been growing her hair for the last two years and it is currently down to her waist.

Hannah was inspired to do her bit when a salon owner visited her school, Brampton Primary, to talk about the Little Princess Trust.

This is a charity that produces wigs for children who have lost their own hair though cancer treatment or other illnesses.

Several pupils said they would think about volunteering their hair but Hannah came straight forward and said she would do it.

“I love having it long but have decided that now is the time to have it cut and let someone else enjoy it,” she added.

Each wig costs £350 to produce and Hannah is hoping to raise this amount through sponsorship.

Her mum Donna, 35, is extremely proud.

“She’s a bit of a madam when it comes to her hair,” she joked, “so for her to do this is great.

“It will be a big day for her because it is a growing up process as well. She’s getting rid of her locks.”

The hair cut is due to take place on Monday, December 17, the day before her ninth birthday.

Because this falls very close to Christmas, Hannah does not usually have a party to celebrate. This year though her family have decided to reward her for her charitable effort with a celebration at Aztec Soft Play in Carlisle.

The woman who will be cutting Hannah’s hair is Janice Grieves, owner of the Hairport and Runway salons in Brampton, who gave the talk which inspired Hannah.

“She fancied having her hair cut off but she loved it and didn’t just want it going on the salon floor.”

Janice thinks the job will take about two hours to complete.

Hannah’s hair will be cut of in batches of ponytails.

A wig needs to be at least seven inches long.

Janice has been collecting hair in her salons, which has been used for wigs for about 10 children.

All those who have received these have been patients at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcatle.

Update; Hannah raised over £1000 in sponsorship on her own page. If you wish to support this cause please go to www.justgiving.com/HairportWigs4Kids many people raise funds for other causes but still donate their hair. 

First published at 09:24, Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk