Schoolgirl is a big hit for charity

Nieve donates long locks

A schoolgirl has raised more than £800 for a children’s cancer charity by chopping her long flowing locks.

Blacklaw Primary pupil Nieve Dykes had her hair, which flowed down the length of her back, cut to raise much needed cash for The Little Princess Trust.

The charity provides wigs free of charge to children and young people up to the age of 24 that have sadly lost their own hair due to cancer and illness.

And Nieve, 8, ended up donating nearly 12 inches of her flowing locks as well as raising £850 – smashing her initial target of £350.

Having only ever had the odd trim, it was a nervewracking experience for all involved when charity chop day arrived.

Mum Amy from Calderwood told the News: “Nieve has never stopped asking for the last year to do this so she could donate it to this amazing charity.

“It took us by surprise as in the past it had been a battle just even to get a trim. I don’t think she has ever had any real length taken off before.”

Amy said the idea initially came from a video Nieve saw online which highlighted a similar charity in America.

“It was all her own idea following a video she had seen on YouTube and, of course, I agreed,” Amy continued.

“The charity on the video was in the States so I explained to Nieve that there was an equivalent in this country in The Little Princess Trust.

“However, we had to wait until her hair was long enough to get maximum use from her donated hair – she had me measure it nearly every day to keep checking!”

Despite her concerns, Amy said her daughter loves her new look.

“As soon as it was done she absolutely loved it as we were worried, given her age, she might start crying or be upset,” Amy continued.

“I think our hairdresser Michelle was the most worried, though, as it had to be cut to the guidelines of the charity, which are quite strict, and in a way that Nieve liked it.

“But Nieve is bubbly, always thinking of others, and she recently got an award at school for being kind and caring towards her classmates.”

Amy added: “We couldn’t be prouder of her.

“She is so excited knowing a child out there will have her hair made into a wig and hopefully make their journey a little easier.

“We would like to thank everyone who has donated, including Rowlands Pharmacy in St Leonards for their donation of £250.”

Nieve is always thinking of others...