A WOKINGHAM woman has had her long hair cut off for charity.
Claire Chappell, 27, decided to grow her hair as long as she could, and last week she went to the Kajo Hair Salon in Emmbrook.
There, she had 20 inches cut off her hair, which she has donated to the Little Princess Trust.
She said: “It was actually quite an emotional event, which I hadn’t realised, but it’s lovely to know that my hair will be used to make a wig for a young person who needs it.”
Claire first came across hair donation 10 years ago when one of her friends gave their locks.
“My hair wasn’t long enough then, but around five years ago I realised it was getting quite a good length, so I decided to keep growing it until I could donate it.”
Claire checked the requirements asked for by The Little Princess Trust, and looked after her hair carefully so that it would be suitable, having it trimmed regularly, and never dying it.
Claire now has a new hairstyle and a certificate from the trust to thank her for her efforts.
“I’d really recommend anyone thinking of having a significant haircut, to do this,” she said.
“Someone will really appreciate their donation.
“I’m enjoying the new style – it dries much quicker.
“And I’m feeling proud and pleased that my fundraising effort has raised even more than I had hoped.”
Kajo Hair Salon provided their hairdressing services free of charge to enable Claire to raise as much money for the charity as possible.
Her original target was £250, but she has already raised £415, and is still gratefully accepting donations for the Little Princess Trust.
The charity enables children and young people who have lost their hair through chemotherapy, injury or other medical conditions to have a wig made for them from real hair free of charge.
To support Claire’s fundraising efforts, visit JustGivingand search for Claire Chappelle.
For more information, visit: kajohairsalon.com and littleprincesses.org.uk